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■WHENCE L. LYNCH, Author of “ Shadowed by Three,” ‘ ^ . 

ous Ground,” “ Madeline Payne,” “Out of a Labyrinth,” The Diamond Coterie, etc. 

ALEX. T. LOYD & CO., PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO, 
ight, 1889. Published Monthly, at S3 00 a Year. Septeinber, 1889. 

Entered as second-class mail matter at the Chicago, 111. P. O., January 22. 1889. 


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Running the Blockade ; 


OR, 


U. S. SECRET SERVICE ADVENTURES. 


BY 




V' 

W. H. THOMES, 

«?_ 

AUTHOR OF “THE GOLD HUNTERS’ ADVE^NTURES IN AUSTRALIA,** 
“THE BUSHRANGERS,” “THE DEAD ALIVE, OR THE GOLD 
HUNTERS IN EUROPE,” “A SLAVER’S ADVENTURES,” 

“A WHALEMAN’S ADVENTURES,” “ LIFE IN 
THE EAST INDIES,” ETC, 


'i t '> 


IZLUSTMATJED 



ALEX. T. LOYD & CO., PUBLISHERS, 

1889, 





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anit Sl^epatiir, 

%. g. 18Z1 

COPYRIGHT, 
ALEX. T. LOYD & CO., 

138 4 . 





RUmilirG THE BLOCKADE. 


CHAPTER I. 

AK INTRODUCTION. — THE HOUSE OP BLANK, HAWSER 
AND CO. — AN INDUCEMENT. — AN APPARITION. — A 
LOST HEART. 

A WOUND, no trifling one, has laid me on the shelf for 
some months. My hull is shattered with rough weather, 
hard work, and constant excitement and peril. Yet I am 
a young man, not over twenty-eight, and at one time pos- 
sessed a constitution as tough as a nor’wester, and the 
strength of a steam-tug. Rest may restore me, medicine 
may heal my wounds, kind treatment may banish the fan- 
cies that at times take possession of my mind as I think 
of the past ; but no earthly power can ever make me forget 
all that I have endured and suffered for the Union’s sake. 

And now, while I am racked with pain, unable to muster 
at quarters, with no immediate chance of once more snuff- 
ing salt water, I can while away my time by writing an 
account of my adventures, more for the purpose of showing 
how secret-service duties were carried on, and what means 
our government resorted to for the purpose of entrapping 
the rebels, breaking up blockade-running, and gaining 
information of Southern movements, than for personal 
aggiandizemont, or pecuniary benefit. 


9 


10 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


One word as to my previous history, for I want to 
commence my yarn with a fair wind and a smooth sea, so 
that my readers may understand me and my motives. I 
always like to have a plain talk with my men when I sail 
from port, so why should I not call all hands aft on this 
voyage, and tell them all about my personal affairs ? 

I arrived home, in the year 1862, in command of an East 
India ship, owned in Boston by Blank, Hawser & Co., 
for whom I had sailed ten years, as boy, man, mate, and 
master. The firm was an old one, rich and influential, with 
stores and warehouses located on Lewis’s Wharf, with nice, 
carpeted offices, old, gray-headed clerks, ponderous books, 
formidable safes, and colored charts of all parts of the 
world, which hung on the walls, and were often consulted 
by the house when a ship was to be despatched on a long 
and uncertain voyage. 

I had a warm reception from the firm. Perhaps it was 
owing to the fact that I had brought home a valuable ship 
and cargo, that I had escaped the perils of the sea, had 
outsailed a privateer, which chased us for twelve hours, 
and onl}^ gave it up when night, a gale of wind, rain 
and fog hid us from the sharp eyes on board of the 
steamer. These things may have influenced the house in 
giving me a reception warmer than that which had been 
given to any master in their employ since the time when 
old Crosstree arrived from San Domingo with his brig 
loaded with plate, pictures, books, and gold and silver 
coin, all of which had been put on board by the residents 
just before a massacre of the whites by the blacks. The 
owners never called for their property. No wonder. 
They were sent to that unknown world where man is not 
supposed to care for wealth, or the vanities of the earth. 
The negroes made sure work of it, so much so that Blank, 
Hawser and Co. were enabled to estimate the profits of 
the year at something prodigious ; while old Crosstrea 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


41 

retired from the sea altogether, with money enough to 
enable him to spend a portion of his time wandering around 
State Street, with nothing to do, except to chew tobacco 
and read the morning papers in the insurance offices. 
It was always remarked that the captain never boasted 
of the manner in which he acquired an independence. 
In fact, he never once alluded to San Domingo, or ac- 
knowledged that he had traded at the island, during his 
long and eventful life. 

But I have to deal with the house of Blank, Hawser & 
Co., so I will leave the ancient mariner, and resume the 
thread of my own yarn. In other words, I will make sail 
and keep on my course, although we may not come to 
anchor for some months. 

As I said before, the house gave me what was called a 
warm reception when I landed, and reported myself and 
ship. Mr. Blank, a precise old gentleman, with a red nose 
and white hair, a keen black eye and sharp face, black 
clothes and spotless linen, a lover of good dinners, a gal- 
lant old beau, gave me two of his white fingers, and said 
that he was glad to welcome me home, and trusted that I 
was well, and that the ship I commanded, the Laughing 
Mermaid, sailed very well and was in good condition, 
and that the cargo had escaped damage. 

And then Hawser, the jolly man of the firm, a gentle- 
man with a large stomach, a fat face, a loud laugh, slapped 
me on the back, and swore that I had arrived just in the 
nick of time, and that the government wouldn’t catch 
them on the new tariff. Not a bit of it. Two days made 
a difference of some fifty thousand dollars. And would I 
take a drink ? 

I did not refuse the drink, because Hawser would have 
felt offended at my refusal, and because he always kept 
good liquors in his private room, and was rather liberaJ 
with them ; while Blank, that tall, stately man, wotuu 


12 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


have felt insulted had ho been asked to touch glasses with 
one of his masters. 

While the ship was unloading, I was a frequent visitor 
at the counting-room, confidently expecting that I should 
again have the vessel, and wondering where I would be 
sent, when one morning Mr. Blank sent for me to enter 
his private room, and talk on business. 

“Now for it,” I thought. “ He is about to offer me 
the ship and increase my wages. Another trip to San 
Francisco, and then Calcutta and a market, I suppose.” 

Such were my reflections ; but they were not quite cor- 
rect, as the conversation proved. 

“ Ah, good morning, sir,” and Mr. Blank looked up as 
I entered the room. He held out two fingers, and allowed 
me to hold them about as long as a man would care to 
hold two hot iron balls. “ Take a seat, sir.” 

I dropped the fingers, and took a seat. 

“ Captain Constant,” the head of the firm said, and as 
he spoke he trimmed his nails with a penknife^ “ we have 
been much pleased with the manner in which you have 
conducted yourself since you have been in our employ, 
over ten years, I believe ? ” 

I bowed. He was complimenting me in a manner such 
as I never expected to hear from his lips. He certainly 
will increase my wages I thought. 

“Yes, sir, through all the changes which you have 
passed, while in our employ, from seaman to mate, and 
from mate to master, you have satisfied us that you in- 
tend to do your duty under all circumstances.” 

Once more I bowed. “ At least twenty-five dollars per 
month to be added to my wages, or else he will offer me a 
percentage,” I thought. 

“ Therefore, we conclude it best, under the present dis- 
turbed state of the country, to offer you- — ” 

“ Certainly, sir, I accept with much pleasure. I want 


kUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


13 


no better ship than the Laughing Mermaid. She is fast, 
a good sea-boat, and I know just how to sail her.” 

“ How ! ” cried the head of the firm, and opened his 
l-lack eyes to their widest extent. 

The Laughing Mermaid,” I faltered, fearing that I 
fiad been too precipitate. 

“ O, yes ; didn’t I tell you that we intended to lay hei 
up for a season ? ” 

“No, sir, you did not intimate such a thing.” 

“ Then Fm sure that I committed a great oversight, 
for — ” 

Just at that moment one of the clerks opened the door, 
as though to speak a word to Mr. Blank, but before he 
could utter a syllable was pushed gently aside by a young 
girl, a vision of loveliness, who entered the room, and 
danced towards Mr. Blank. 

“ O, papa,” the little beauty said, “ they told me that 
you were engaged.” 

“ That is more than you will be unless you leave off 
some of your mad pranks,” replied Mr. Blank, with a 
merry twinkle of his eye, while a look of affection mantled 
his face, stealing through the crusty, port-like blossom of 
his countenance, like a coat of paint to the bare bends of 
a ship. 

“ Engaged,” — and here the young lady tossed her head, 
and made an attempt to smile in a scornful manner ; “I 
can be engaged at any moment, but I don’t want to be the 
slave of any man. I like my freedom too well. No tan- 
gled engagements for me.” 

“ I believe it ; ” and the father laughed in a gratified 
manner. 

“ Besides, I like my home too well, and those who make 
my home happy, to care to leave it ; ” and the beautiful 
girl bent her head to her father’s shoulder, and allowed 
her rich peach-like cheek to rest for a moment against his 

face. 


14 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I sat w here I could not help noting the scene. The 
parties seemed to have forgotten that I was present, so 
absorbed were they in each other. I could see that the 
father loved his child most dearly. That he was proud 
of her beauty, her pert, saucy ways and winning manners ; 
and I did not blame him for the affection he displayed, for 
the young lady seemed most worthy of it, and I felt a pang 
in the region of my heart as I sat and looked at her, and 
thought that some day a fine, dashing young fellow would 
come along, throw her his handkerchief, and carry her off 
in triumph a wife, but one not loved half as much as such 
a beautiful little piece of angelic creation should be loved. 

I had often heard of the only child of Mr. Blank, but 
never had expressed the least curiosity regarding her. 
When the clerks in the counting-room had raved, and 
declared that she was as lovely as Venus, I had manifested 
the most supreme indifference on the subject, and laughed 
at the love-stricken lubbers, as I termed them. But now, 
as I sat and stared at that well-formed head, covered with 
masses of dark brown hair, looking soft and wavy ; a face 
that was Grecian in its character, the rich blood showing 
beneath the transparent skin ; the sweet hazel eyes, veiled 
with long dark lashes, like pickets thrown out in front of 
a powerful army ; a form that was plump and well-propor- 
tioned as a first-class clipper ship. Well, I no longer won- 
dered that the clerks were madly in love with the lady. 

“ Come, darling, sit down for a moment,” said the fond 
father, patting the young lady’s soft hair, “ or else tell 
me what you want, if you are in a hurry.” 

“ You know what I want, well enough now.” 

She laughed and clapped her gloved hands as though 
she had uttered a good joke. 

“ Where is the last I gave you ? ” 

“ Gone, papa.” 

“How?” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 15 

“ A musliu, a bouuet, a silk dress of lovely shade, and 
charity ; you shall see it.” 

“ What, the charity ? ” 

“No, the silk dress, you provoking papa. I shall wear 
it to church next Sunday.” 

“ And the bonnet, puss ? ” 

“Will also add to my attractions. I intend you shall be 
proud of your daughter.” 

The father smiled and pinched her cheek. It was evi- 
dent enough that he was proud of her, without her gay 
rigging and trappings, and I was satisfied that Miss Hatty 
Blank, the full name of my little beauty, loved her father 
with a devotion that was rather unusual in these days of 
selfishness. 

All of a sudden Miss Hatty turned her hazel eyes on 
me, for I had coughed in a slight manner to show that 
some one was present. They rested on my face for the 
space of a second or two, a haughty, well-bred stare, not 
impolite, but inquisitive, as much as to say, — 

“ Pray, who are you, sir, with your black eyes, sunburnt 
face, and curly hair? ” 

Truth compels me to state that I so far forgot myself as 
to return her stare with such intense admiration that Miss 
Hatty was compelled to lower her eyes and turn her head, 
while a blush passed over her face that was like the glow 
on the water in a tropical climate at sunset. 

Mr. Blank — happy man to be the father of so much 
loveliness — did not note the exchange of glances between 
his daughter and myself. He was too much occupied in 
looRing over a letter to regard us ; but his daughter, after 
one more effort to catch a glimpse of my face, and finding 
that I was still looking at her, laid her hand on her father’s 
arm, and said, — 

“ Papa, you are not paying the least attention to me, oi 
this — this — ” 

2 


16 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


She stole a third look at me, and then finished hei 
speech — 

“ Gentleman.” 

I had won the victory. I had extracted the word from 
her in defiance of her will. She had acknowledged my 
gentility in spite of her wish not to do so. 

“ I beg your pardon, my dear child ; bat I was not 
aware that you were of so much importance.” 

But perhaps this gentleman has business with you 
that requires haste.” 

This time there was no hesitancy when the word gentle- 
man was used. 

“ He has business with me, but is not in haste,” was the 
father’s reply. 

There was no offer at an introduction. The rich mer- 
chant did not think that the master of one of his ships was 
a suitable person to favor with an introduction to his only 
child. Perhaps he feared that I might claim the honor of 
her acquaintance on the strength of it. I felt my heart 
swell within me at the thought; but I restrained all out- 
ward sign of emotion, for I had learned that severe trial 
at an early day. Self-discipline was one of my virtues. 

I could always wait with some degree of patience for 
events. 


Just at this moment the office door opened, and a favoi 
ite clerk entered with some papers in his hand. He was a 
man nearly forty years of age, with iron-gray hair, a smooth 
lace, clean shaved, thin lips, eyes that never met your 
own ; always meditating, never surprised ; civil to all yet 
exchangmg words with but few. Such were, the traits of 
1 not ^ing, y ho had been in .tlie house for thirty years, ris- 
mg horn the po.sition of office boy, errand boy, entry clerk, 
to that of a favorite clerk, at a salary of two thousand dol- 
iars per annum. 


Kiner stopped when he was near Mr. Blank’s desk, and 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 17 

looked as though undecided whether to move on oi 
retreat. 

“Excuse me, sir,” he said, addressing the merchant. 
“ I was not aware that you had company in your room, 
^hall I retire ? ” 

Even as the man spoke, he had time to make a most 
profound and respectful bow to Miss Hatty, as though she 
must not judge him harshly for what he had done. But 
Miss Hatty appeared to be obdurate, for she tossed her 
pretty head, and looked as if she was not in a gracious 
mood with the favorite clerk. 

“ O, speak on, Kiner,” answered the merchant. “ I am 
not particularly engaged at this moment. What is it you 
want?” 

“ A few papers to sign, sir. Shall I leave them on your 
desk?” 

“ Yes. I will look over them in a short time.” 

The smooth-faced clerk laid the papers on the desk, and 
then turned to leave the room, but for one moment he 
stopped near Miss Blank, and while rubbing his hands, as 
if to promote warmth, said, — 

“ I hope that Miss Blank is enjoying good health at the 
present time.” 

“ Yes.” 

The answer was pert and curt, and such the young lady 
intended it, for she left -chair, turned her back on 
Kiner, and walked to the window. 

The favorite clerk did not manifest the least sign of 
displeasure ; but he glanced at me, as if to note the effect 
of her conduct, and then his dull, leaden eyes were low- 
ered, and he left the room, stealing through the doorway 
like a snake that was in search of a field-mouse. 

I noted all, and considered. “ There is some mystery 
here,” 1 thought. 

As Kiner closed the door. Miss Hatty left her positioi 


18 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


at the window. She appeared to recover her spirits the 
instant the favorite clerk was out of sight. 

“ Now, papa, give me the money I asked you for, 
please.” 

He laughed, went to the safe, took out some bills, and 
handed them to her. 

“ Will that be enough, pet? ” 

“ I will make it go just as far as possible, papa ; but you 
don’t kaow how many things I have to buy.” 

Her father laughed. The young lady stowed the money 
in her purse, gave me a glance of her eyes, and then 
danced from the private room to her carriage at the 
door ; but when she left the apartment she carried my 
heart with her, more securely imprisoned than the green- 
backs which she had secured in her purse. 

As the door closed upon the retreating form of Miss 
Hatty Blank, I felt that she had taken all the sunshine 
and light of the room with her ; but from these reflections 
Mr. Blank aroused me. 

“ Nowj Constant, we can proceed to business, having 
got rid of that troublesome magpie. As I said before, we 
have resolved to let the ship lay up for a season, on account 
of the rebel privateers. We don’t feel like transferring 
her flag, and if we did, we should have to employ an 
Englishman to command her. You would not care to 
take a mate’s berth once more ? ” 

I shook my head. 

“No, I suppose not, and I don’t mean to oflPer it to you ; 
but I have something else to give you that I think will be 
acceptable,” 

I looked at him, wondering what was coming. 

“The day after your arrival home, I wrote to Mr. 
Welles, the Secretary of the Navy, mentioning some of 
your good qualities, and recommending that you should be 
appointed a volunteer lieutenant in the navy, and de- 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


19 


spatched on secret service, or else sent down to do blockade 
duty. Let me see, are you acquainted with the harbors 
on the Southern coast ? ” 

/‘Yes, I have sailed from Wilmington, Savannah, 
Charleston, Mobile, and New Orleans, and have a thorough 
knowledge of the places named.” 

“ Then you are just the man that government wants. 
But stay, I’ll read the secretary’s letter, and let you heai 
what he says.” 

Mr. Blank read a document, and I found that Mr. 
Yv^elles was anxious to see me before he gave me the 
appointment, and that he expected I would visit Wash- 
ington without delay, and confer with him on matters which 
were for the benefit of the countr}^ 

At any rate, Mr. Welles promised that I should be 
taken care of, and receive an appointment according to 
my merits. 

“ I have faken this trouble,” said Mr. Blank, “ in your 
behalf, on account of the long time that you have been in 
our employ, and the sincere esteem which I have for you. 
Our country needs just such men as you are, — bold, active, 
and enterprising.” 

I had not listened to one half of this address, for my 
thoughts were far away, in a certain carriage that was 
moving along through Washington Street, freighted with a 
load more precious than a homeward bound East Indiaman. 
I imagined the lady looking to the right and left, bowing to 
this one, smiling to that, happy and free of trouble, as all 
young girls should be. When I looked up and saw that 
Mr. Blank expected an answer, and that he had waited 
some seconds for one, while I was up in the clouds, or 
becalmed among the curls of his daughter’s hair. I 
blushed a little, when I was restored to my senses, for 
allowing such weakness to overcome me. 

“Well,” asked Mr. Blank, after waiting, and finding 


20 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


that I was not disposed to answer him, “ what do you 
think of serving your country for a season ? I tell you 
candidly, that you can’t do better. If you want time to 
consider tlie matter over, why, take a few days, and then lei 
me know. Of course, after the war has ceased, we shall 
welcome you back to our emploj^ with much pleasure, 
provided you want to come. In case you decide to accept 
Mr. Welles’s offer, take his note with you to Washington. 
It is a letter of introduction, and will secure you some 
little favor at the hands of the officials.” 

He nodded his head, and took up a letter from his desk, 
as though he desired to close the interview. I arose, but 
as I did so, I happened to look down, and saw lying on 
the floor a card. I picked it up, and was about to hand it 
to Mr. Blank, when I noticed that it was a photograph 
of his daughter, which she had accidentally dropped while 
in the room. 

Instead of handing it to the merchant, I put it in my 
pocket, and rejoiced to see that Mr. Blank was too much 
occupied with his letter _to notice the act. As no more 
words were needed on my part, I bowed, and retired from 
the room. 

In the next apartment I encountered the favorite clerk, 
Kiner King, with his fish-like eyes and smooth face, his 
cold hands and calm looks. 

“Well,” he asked, “shall we welcome you as one of 
Uncle Sam’s men ? ” 

“ Perhaps.” 

“ Are you in earnest? ” 

“ Yes.” 

I think the man’s face expressed a little astonishment, 
but his lookfc were always so well guarded that I could not 
tell whether he was surprised or not. Justus I was going 
out of the office, the favorite clerk called out to me, — 

“ By the way, captain, did you ever see Miss Blank 
before?” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


‘21 


“ Never had that honor,” I remarked, in a gallant tone, 
for I thought Kiner meant to say something complimentary. 

“ O, never did, eh ? That’s all.” 

Down went the fellow’s head on his book, and he ap- 
peared to have forgotten me. 

“ Look here, Kiner, what in the devil do you mean by 
such talk ? Speak out in ship-shape fashion, and don’t be 
beating all round the bay.” 

The man looked up, closed his book in a soft, cat-like 
manner, and then approached me, and whispered, — 

“ She’s a dangerous psrscn to b© acquainted with, 
captain. I noticed that you seemed to be a little struck 
with her beauty. Think no more of it, and if you should 
again get sight of her, make sail and claw off as fast as 
possible. That is all, captain.” 

I could not help laughing a scornful, defiant laugh at 
such advice. 

“ Why, you lubber,” I said, in a tone that was half 
sarcastic and half joking, “ do you think that I would run 
fiom a pretty face and a petticoat ? ” 

He made no reply, and I walked out of the office, 
Wondering what the deuce was the matter with Kiner. 

“ He must have intended to play a game on me,” I 
thought. “ He noticed, probably, that I was a little struck 
with Miss Blank’s face and form, and thought he would 
have a joke. Sharp fellow, that Kiner.” 

And then I dismissed Kiner from my mind ; but Miss 
Hatty was not put off so easy. I passed the day doing 
nothing with my hands, yet my brain was busy at work 
over the proposition which Mr. Blank had made, and the 
daughter which Mr. Blank owned. Of the two, as be- 
came a high-toned sailor, I thought most of the lady ; 
and while I was thus engaged, who should slap me on the 
shoulder but Crosstree, who had formerly sailed for the 
firm of Blank, Hawser & Co., and made his money 


2*2 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


through the San Domingo massacre. The old fellow was 
somewhat bent with age, his hair was white, and his teeth 
false, but his eyes were as sharp as ever they were, and 
his wits as keen as when he calculated how much his 
share of the plunder would amount to after arriving in 
Boston. 

“ Well,” growled Crosstree, ‘‘what in the devil’s name 
are you looking so sober for ? What’s the matter ? ” 

“ Matter enough. The house intends to lay up the 
Laughing Mermaid.” 

“ Well, there’s other chances for a smart young fellow.” 
Old Crosstree had sunk his voice to a hoarse whisper as 
he uttered the sentence. I did not comprehend the man’s 
meaning, so only stared at him. 

“ Do you take ? ” whispered Crosstree, and punched 
me in the ribs. 

“ No.” 

“ Don’t you know a thing or two ? ” 

“ Hang me if I do I Come, pay out cable, so that I can 
ride free.” 

“ Do you like money ? ” whispered the old salt. 

“ Yes; I wish I was worth half a million dollars.” 

“You can nearly reach that figure if you are bold and 
lucky ! ” cried Crosstree, and the old fellow rubbed his 
hands. 

“Then I’m the man for the money,” said I, in a jesting 
tone. “ I want a pile of greenbacks, and I don’t mind 
running some risk to obtain it. Come, out with your 
scheme, and let’s overhaul it.” 

“Don’t speak so loud,” the old sea-dog whispered, 
clutching my arm to impose more caution. “We must 
move carefully in the matter, and take soundings, ’cos we 
are surrounded by spies. They are all on the watch to 
spile a nice little speculation.” 

I began to have some misgivings that the scheme which 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


23 


Crosstree desired to impose upon me was not exactly tlie 
one that would bear the evidence of a man’s loyalty. But 
I desired to hear more before I decided on the steps I 
would take in the premises. 

“ Come this way I ” the old captain cried in an eager 
tone. “So, that’s well. Now no one can hear us. 
Listen. Do you know the firm of Brass, Iron & Co. ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Do you know how they made all their money ? ” 

“ No ; I never gave the subject a thought.” 

“ Well, I have ; ” and here old Crosstree chuckled, and 
added, — 

“ I’m bound to make my pile in the same manner. You 
can join me if you like.” 

“ Name the business.” 

Crosstree put his mouth close to my ear and whis- 
pered, — 

“ Blockade running.” 

“ What, help the enemies of the North ? ” I demanded. 

“ No, we help ourselves — to cotton. You see, it’s 
worth a dollar a pound here in Boston, and we can buy it 
at the South for about eight cents, in the way of trade. 
Just see the margin for profit. Five hundred bales would 
set us on our pins, and put us among the nobs of State 
Street.” 

“ And what would you give in exchange ? ” I asked. 

Crosstree did not look me in the face as he answered, — 

“ Well, shoes go well down there, and so does medi- 
cines, and clothes — dark gray fetches a big price — and 
they say that powder, revolving rifles, and swords are 
snapped at by aU sorts of fellows. Never fear but what 
we can pick up a load of stuff.” 

With an effort I suppressed my indignation, so that I 
could learn more of the old rascal’s plans. 

“You see, we can ship what we want to Bermuda, 


^4 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

Havana, or Nassau, and then buy a steamer and slip into 
one of the Southern ports on a dark night, and out in the 
same manner, with cotton and turpentine. If we are 
lucky, our fortune is made.” 

“ And if we are not ? ” I asked. 

“ Well, then, we must grin and bear it, and try again. 
But there ain’t much to fear or risk to run. The fellers 
on the blockading fleet are asleep half the time, and we 
can slip in and out without waking ’em up.” 

. “ Captain Cross tree,” I asked, “ would you really turn 
against the North, and help the South in the manner 
proposed ? ” 

“ I must make some money,” he grumbled, with an 
averted face. “ I must live.” 

‘‘ Then, in the name of Heaven, if 3^011 must live, try and 
live in such a manner that your friends won’t have occasion 
to blush for you after you die. ITl be Iianged if I won’t 
live and die poor before I resort to blockade running and 
aiding the South.” 

Crosstree did not look up. His hands played nervous- 
ly with his watch seal, and he appeared most heartily 
ashamed of himself. He had made a full confession to 
me, thinking that I would join him ; but when he found 
that I would not, he did not exactly know what to do. 

“ Come, Crosstree,” I said, after enjoying his embar- 
rassment for a few moments, “ you are not so bad or so 
mercenary as j’^ou appear. You have been testing my 
loyalty, I know, to see if I am suitable to enter Uncle 
Sam’s service. Come, own up that such is the case.” 

“Yes, yes — he, he! — you’re right. A deuced good 
joke. I played it well — didn’t I?” 

“ Yes, you did ; but be careful that you don’t put sucli 
jokes into practical operation. If, as you say, there are 
spies about, take care that they don’t report one of your 
little funny affairs. If they should, you might find your- 
gelf in Fort Warren.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADi!.. 


25 


Croi^tree’s false teeth chattered as he listened. 

“ But as it was only a joke, you know, yon won’t say a 
word about it, will you ? ” pleaded Crosstree, with a most 
anxious look. 

“ No ; I’ll keep your secret ; but let me advise you to 
turn your attention to other matters, if you wish to die 
in your bed.” 

But there’s so much money to be made in running the 
blockade,” whined Crosstree. “ Brass, Iron & Co. have 
made a whack, and they’re just as much thought of as 
other people. The banks all trust ’em, and all the nobs 
bow to ’em. It’s hard if other people can’t do as they 
do.” 

“ If they are traitors, it is no reason why we should be ; 
and the few words that we have exchanged convinces me 
of one thing.” 

“ Yog, what is it ? ” 

“That it is my duty to enter the navy, and help the 
country. I shall no longer hesitate.” 

“Well, you won’t split on me. Say that you won’t 
peach, and I’ll give up (here he hesitated for a moment) 
all thoughts of running the blockade.” 

Of course I consented to keep quiet, and then I left the old 
fellow ; but a few hours afterwards, while passing through 
State Street, I saw Cross tree and Kiner in close communi- 
cation, and I had no doubt they were planning some out 
side job that would put money in their purses. 

Before the next morning I had concluded that I would 
enter the naval service, and serve my country to the best 
of my ability, provided I could obtain a position that was 
suited to my capacity. When I announced to Mr. Blank 
that such was my intention, he looked as pleased as a man 
can look who cares but little about the subject under dis- 
cussion. He gave me a letter to Mr. Secretary Welles, 
shoo) hands with me, and then bowed as though the inter- 
view were closed. 


26 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I would have given something to have asked after his 
daughter, and known that she was well; but I would 
have given much more if I could have caught sight of her 
sweet face, and once more witnessed some of her pert airs. 
But this was one of the impossible things, and with a sigh 
I left the building. 

Three days afterwards I started for Washington, where 
I arrived without accident. It was my first visit to the 
city. I found it full of drunken officers, loafers, contrac- 
tors, blacklegs, blackguards, thieves, bold-faced women, 
Congressmen willing to sell themselves and country, whis- 
key speculators, and, lastly, office-seekers, who were drunk 
two thirds of the time, when they could get trusted or 
treated, and were clamorous and complaining when sober. 

I went to bed early, and the next forenoon started to 
^nd the Navy Department and Mr. Welles. 

I was a little uncertain about the direction I should 
take ; so I wandered on, through the dirty streets, over 
the dirty, uneven, tobacco-covered sidewalks, meeting 
smart negro girls and lazy negro men, — the former with 
an air that seemed to establish their worth in their own 
ers’ estimation, and the latter creeping along as thougu 
fearful some one would ask them to do a job of work. 

Washington was full of life at that time, although it 
was a period of great national depression. The people 
were trembling with fear of further disaster, yet, at the 
same time, were hopeful as to the final result. No one, 
to have seen faces, careless and gay, that I saw that 
morning, would have supposed our country was the scene 
of a terrible civil war, and that men were falling like 
leaves in autumn, giving lives and Hmbs for the sake of 
the Union. 

After I had wandered along Pennsylvania Avenue foi 
a mile or more, I asked a cabman where the Navy Depart- 
ment was located. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


27 


Tlie knight of the ribbons looked at me for a moment, 
with a species of contemptuous pity, emptied his mouth 
of an enormous quantity of saliva, and then asked, wdth 
an insolent leer, — 

“ D’ye want a carriage to go thar ? ” 

“No.” 

“ Then go to thunder, whar ye b’long.” 

With these refined words, the man put a fresh piece of 
tobacco in his mouth, and devoted himself to staring at 
negro wenches. 

At first, I thought that I would thrash the man within 
an inch of his life, but prudence whispered to me that it 
was better to pass on, and not touch pitch and become 
defiled. 

As I wandered along the avenue, I nearly stumbled 
over a tall, dark-complexioned man, whose clothes were 
none too neat, apparently made without regard to symme- 
try or shape, with many a wrinkle in the back of his coat, 
and pants that were baggy at the knees, a vest that was 
buttoned awry, the bottom turned up, as though in open 
remonstrance at being required to enclose the form of so 
uncouth a looking person as the one who stood before me. 
Yet, in spite of the huge, bony hands, the rough face, 
with a sparsely settled beard on some portions of it, as 
though the whiskers were uncertain on what part of the 
countenance they should find rest and protection, I did 
not fail to notice that there was a certain air of dignity in 
the appearance of the tall man, which told me that he must 
be above the ordinary run of W ashington visitors ; so I at 
once pronounced him a representative from one of the 
Western States, out for an early walk. 

“ Well, stranger, you do not keep as nice a lookout as 
you might,” the tall man said, in a good-humored manner, 
as we both stopped and looked at each other after the 
collision. 


28 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ I might use the same argument,” I answered. “ It’s 
as much your duty to keep your eyes open, as for me, 
mine.” 

“Yes, I reckon such is the case ; but, my young friend, 
they pull the wool over mine in the most awful manner 
sometimes.” 

“ But wouldn’t it be advisable to wash your eyes, and 
clear them, before venturing into the street ? ” 

“ Ah, my young friend, there you mistake Washington. 
It would be better if I did not see any one while in ihr- 
streets of the city. I must see a great deal or nothing — 
and that reminds me of a story.” 

“0, hang your stories ! ” I exclaimed, a little roughly ; 
“ tell me where the Navy Department is anchored, and I 
will thank you.” 

“ So you want to find the sword of Gideon — do you ? ” 
asked the tall man, without manifesting the least excite- 
ment. “ In search of an office ? ” 

“ That’s my business.” 

“You are a stranger here, ain’t you ? ” 

“Yes, and I’m glad of it; for half the people I meet 
are either drunk or crazy ; and some are impertinent.” 

“ That’s as true as preaching,” laughed the tall, thin 
man, who did not appear to think that I was in the least 
personal. “ There’s more impudence in Washington than 
you’d encounter on a Mississippi flat-boat, in the halcyon 
days of flat-boatmen.” 

“ I have no doubt of it, sir ; but you have not answered 
ray question. Where is the Navy Department ? ” 

“ I am going there, and will take pleasure in showing 
you where Gideon reposes. Come, right about face. 
There is more of a sailor about you than a soldier. I can 
tell that much by the manner in which you turn.” 

“You are right. I have spent many years on the ocean. 
I like it. It is a home to me.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


29 


“ Then you should enter the navy. Just such men as 
you are wanted. Bold and active young fellows rise rap- 
idly, and make their fortunes capturing blockade runners. 
Come, have confidence in me. Acknowledge that you seek 
the Secretary of the Navy for the purpose of obtaining a 
commission.” 

“You are mistaken, sir,” I answered coldly ; “ I have 
made no application for a commission ; but I was informed 
that one awaited me, so I came to Washington to see what 
it would amount to.” 

The tall, ungainly man listened to me in silence as we 
walked along ; but at last he began to ask questions relat- 
ing to my past life, and soon discovered that I had com- 
manded a ship, that I was ambitious, and that I was loyal 
and patriotic as a man could be who believed in the old 
flag, the Union, and the blessings which the country 
granted to all. 

The information which I gave the tall, ungainly man 
seemed to afford him the greatest satisfaction. He rubbed 
his large, bony hands, and smiled in a manner that seemed 
to strike a darkey whom we met as something wonderful, 
for the negro stopped and took off his hat, and as he 
bowed, said, — 

“ Glad to see dat grin on yer face, massa, 'cos it looks 
as though we had licked ’em darn rebels. Ha, ha ! guess 
we hab done it. Massa has news dat de rest of us no 
get.” 

The tall man raised his hand — a sort of military salute 
in acknowledgment of the bow — but took no notice of 
the negro’s words. 

We passed on; the conversation continued. 

“You think that it is my duty to accept a commission?” 
I asked, after a moment’s silence, for I began to be con- 
vinced that my companion was something not often found 
in Washington — an honest man. Therefore I was inclined 


80 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


to put more confidence in him than I otherwise should 
have done. 

“ Not only your duty, but the duty of eveiy able-bodied 
man in the free States to do all that lies in his power to 
crush the enemies of the government.” 

I looked at the man’s lank but vigorous form, and a 
question entered my mind. 

“ If you have such patriotic thoughts, why don’t you 
enter the army or navy? ” I demanded, in a blunt tone. 

“Well,” answered the tall man, “I would if it were 
not for some few ties that bind me in Washington. I am 
fearful that I could not get away.” 

“ And yet you were just telling me that aU ties should 
be broken for the sake of the country.” 

The taU man laughed, and rubbed his hands. 

“ You’ve caught me,” he said, “ and I don’t blame you 
for hitting me a dig ; and now that I think of it, I’m re- 
minded of a little story. A number of years ago, there 
lived in Illinois an old codger, named — ” 

Just at this instant we passed a hospital where there 
were sick and wounded soldiers, and two sentinels were 
standing in front of the door. The soldiers no sooner 
caught sight of the tall, dark man, than they seemed im- 
bued with new life, for from a lolling position, half leaning 
on their guns, they came to an upright, and even presented 
arms ; although why they should do so, when no one but 
themselves were near in uniform, was a matter of surprise 
to me. 

But all seemed to be taken as a matter of course by the 
dark man. Up went his large, long hand as an acknowl- 
edgment of the salute, and for a moment he stopped, and 
asked, — 

“ Well, my boys, do you get enough to eat ? ” 

“Yes, sir,” both answered, with one accord. 

“ Then you are satisfied? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


31 


“ Yes, sir ; with all but the coffee — that’s bad. Noth- 
ing but peas and beans, and sour at that.” 

“ Ah I Have you complained to your captain ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ And what does he say ? ” 

“Twice he was too drunk to say anything, and the 
other time he threatened to put us in the guard-house if 
we made more complaints.” 

The face of the tall man grew dark and stern, as he 
said, — 

“ The number of your regiment, and captain’s name.” 

Both were given, and noted down in a small memoran- 
dum-book, and then we passed on. 

The tall man saw my look of surprise, and said in ex- 
planation, — 

“ The fact of it is, the soldiers round here look upon me 
as a father, and so they don’t hesitate to tell some tales 
out of school. I shall have these complaints investigated, 
and if they are true, that captain will lose his place, and 
the quartermaster of the regiment will be overhauled and 
looked up ; and that reminds me of a little story. When 
I was practising law in Illinois, a man came to me one 
day, and said that his neighbor had stirred him up, and he 
wanted redress. Well, after a long cross-examination, I 
found that my client had been in the habit of stealing 
wood from his neighbor’s wood-pile, and had taken a log 
that contained a canister of powder, placed there for the 
purpose of blowing up the man who stole it. The scheme 
was successful, for my client was thrown out of one win- 
dow, his wife out of another, and a grandmother and two 
children were lodged in a garret, while the stove went up 
the chimney, and did not again come down as a stove. My 
client wanted redress for the damage which he and hia 
family had received ; for he went on the principle that 
there was too much of a stir for so small a stick of wood.” 

3 


82 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I said that I couldn’t see the point of the joke. 

“ Ah ! ” said the tall man, “ that is unfortunate. I am 
afraid that I must tell you another story — one with an 
application more plain. But here we are at the Navy 
Department, and I must postpone the matter till another 
opportunity. Step light, for we don’t want to wake them 
up if they have not turned out.” 

I knew what the tall man alluded to. At that time the 
loyal press was calling upon Mr. Welles, the Secretary of 
the Navy Department, to resign, and give place to some 
one who was wide awake, and capable of infusing a little 
life into the office, so that the privateers could be swept 
from the ocean, and some of the blockade runners captured 
or destroyed. 1 had paid but little attention to the charges 
brought against Mr. Welles, simply because I knew that 
our newspapers were fond of grumbling, and if they could 
not praise, they were pretty sure to condemn. 

As the tall man made the remark about stepping light* 
ly, I noticed that he laughed, but in such a manner that 1 
was certain he did not believe the caution necessary. lie 
appeared like a person who would enjoy a joke even if it 
was at the expense of a friend ; although I could see 
nothing in his face that indicated ill-nature or vindictive- 
ness. He looked like a man who would not feel offended 
if an acquaintance should get the best of him in telling a 
story : so I put him down in my own mind as the chap- 
lain of a western regiment, a favorite with his companions, 
and a man more noted for his desire to see justice done to 
the soldiers than for his piety. 

But, as we entered the Navy Department, I saw that 
many of those whom we met were quite profound in their 
manifestations of respect, bending low as they passed us, 
and apparently anxious for a kind look, if not a word. All 
the clerks seemed to suddenly find something to occupy 
th^'r attention ; and one fat-faced fellow, who was paring 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


83 


an apple, while seated at his desk, dropped apple and 
knife the instant he caught sight of the tall man and my- 
self, as though detected in a most flagrant breach of deco 
rum, and then bent over his book, pen in hand, as if spurred 
to renewed exertions by the sight of that plain, homely face. 

“He’s a government detective,” I thought, when I no- 
ticed the signs of fear, and just as I arrived at this conclu- 
sion, some one threw open a door leading to the Secreta- 
ry’s private room, and in went the tall man, without being 
announced, although I could see that a dozen or twenty 
people were waiting for an opportunity tOt speak to Mr. 
Welles. 

For a moment I held back, but the tall man looked over 
his shoulder, and said, with a smile, — 

“ Come in ; ” and in I went, and found myself in the 
presence of Mr. Welles and his assistant, Mr. Fox, both 
of whom seemed a little surprised at the visit. 

I won’t say that I did not feel a little abashed when I 
was thus unceremoniously introduced into the presence of 
these two gentlemen, who appeared to be consulting to- 
gether on some matter that was of great importance. On 
a table were spread maps and papers, rulers and dividers, 
models of monitors, iron-clads, and double-cnders ; while 
in one corner were flags taken from the enemy, relics of 
captured vessels, and other articles presented to the de- 
[lartment by enthusiastic naval officers. 

As I entered the apartment, I thought that I was injur- 
ing my prospects by the abrupt manner in which I had 
dropped alongside of Mr. Welles ; but a glance at the tall 
man’s face, so full of assurance and confidence, rather 
helped to restore me, and I was enabled to watch the man- 
ner in which the two gentlemen who were examining the 
maps received my companion. 

To my surprise they did not manifest the least displeas- 
ure. They left their employment, came towards the tall 


^4 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


man, shook hands with him, glanced at me as though won* 
dering who I was, bowed, and then placed chairs for both 
of us. 

“ Well, Welles,’’ asked my companion, in a free-and- 
easy tone, as he slapped the veteran of the Navy Depart^ 
ment on the back previous to sitting down, “have you 
captured the Alabama yet ? ” 

“ Not yet, sir; but I have despatched no less than ten 
vessels in search of her. It is impossible for the pirate to 
elude us much longer.” 

“ O, gammon ! ” interrupted the tall man, crossing his 
legs, and then uncrossing them for the purpose of putting 
his feet on a vacant chair. “You have repeated that 
story so long that I really think you believe it. I tell you, 
Welles, you must wake up and put your finger on that 
pest. The people complain.” 

“ One moment, sir, and I think you will acquit me of all 
blame in the premises,” replied Mr. Welles. “ Look, sir, 
and see what the department has done. On several occa- 
sions it has saved an army, it has reduced forts, it has 
fought battles, and never yet has it been defeated, or 
spared the blood of those who man our ships. I wish 
to institute no invidious comparisons between the army 
and the navy, for I can afford to let history and the world 
judge of such things ; but I tell you, sir, that when think- 
ing men write of the present rebellion, and the efforts 
made to put it down, the heroes of the navy will illumine 
many pages, and their bravery and services will not be 
eclipsed by the army.” 

“Plang it, Welles, I know all that! God bless the 
navy, and the brave men who man it, and the heroes who 
have given their lives and their blood for the flag and the 
Union ! You have done all that man can do, but if you 
would only make a stir in the world, and sink those con- 
founded privateers. And that reminds me of a story.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


35 


“ 1 beg your pardon, sir, but you have not mentioned 
this gentleman’s name,” Mr. Welles said, and pointed to 
me. 

1 had listened in silence to the conversation that had 
ensued, and it struck me that it was not intended for heads 
like mine. I was astonished at the turn affairs had taken ; 
but even while I listened, I could not help wondering how 
the tall, dark man should dare to intrude his advice and 
satire upon one of the most important departments of the 
country. 

Of course, when Mr. Welles alluded to me, all eyes 
were turned in my direction, and this seemed to recall the 
tall man to the fact that he had brought me in the room 
when he entered. 

“ O, this gentleman,” replied the tall man, with a care- 
less laugh, “ is one I picked up on the avenue this morn- 
ing. He was inquiring his way to the Navy Department, 
so I undertook to pilot him here.” 

“ Good Heaven I ” ejaculated Mr. Welles, with a vigor- 
ous tug at his beard. 

“My God! how imprudent!” remarked Captain Fox, 
in an almost inaudible tone, as though he felt more than 
he dared to utter. 

My lank companion laughed, as if he rather enjoyed the 
surprise of the two gentlemen, while the reader can ima- 
gine that my situation was far from being agreeable ; so I 
arose, and prepared to retire as rapidly as possible ; but, 
before I retreated, I said, — 

“ This intrusion is none of my seeking. The gentle- 
man invited me to enter the apartment, and I did so, but 
with great reluctance.” 

Mr. Welles and Captain Fox stared at me as though 
they could hardly believe that I was speaking the truth. 

“ He don’t know me from Adam,” said the tall man, 
with a smile that was intended to be reassuring. “You 

2 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


see tliat he don’t. Come, don’t frown, Welles ; I’ve 
brought you a recruit, and one that will do honor to the 
navy. Sit down. Constant, and we’ll settle this matter 
before we leave.” 

Messrs. WeUes and Fox did not look quite satisfied, 
but still they seemed a little reassured, as though they 
could not help themselves, and had better put the best 
possible face on the matter. 

“Yes,” continued the tall man, caressing one of his 
long legs, and beaming on all three of us as though he 
really enjoyed what was going on, “I found this young 
man on the avenue, looking for the Navy Department, so 
I took him in tow, and brought him here. He wants a 
commission, Welles, and must have one. Give him a lieu- 
tenant’s berth, and then set him to work on that mission 
we were speaking of.” 

“ But he has not been examined as to qualifications. 
We know nothing of his seamanship or intelligence,” 
^pleaded Mr. Welles. 

“ O, fudge I I can tell what a man is made of the in- 
jtant I talk with him. Come, don’t play offish with this 
man, when you have commissioned a dozen who didn’t 
know one of your double-enders from a flat-boat.” 

“ But he has no references,” pleaded Mr. Welles. 

“ Yes, he has. Show the Secretary the letter from the 
firm you sailed for.” 

In obedience to this command — for it sounded like one 
— I handed Mr. Welles the letter that Blank, Hawser & 
Co. had given me. The Secretary read it carefully, and 
then handed it to Mr. Fox. 

“ The letter is a sufficient recommendation,” Mr. Welles 
said, “ I have had quite a correspondence with Messrs. 
Blank & Co. on the subject. Mr. Constant is here at my 
request.” 

“ O, he is. WeU, why didn’t you say so in the first 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


37 


place, and n^t make me plead so long? I told you I 
could pick out a loyal man as soon as I put my eyes on 
him.” 

“ But, Mr. President, you make some mistakes,” laughed 
Captain Fox. 

“ Mr. President I ” I thought, “ what does the man 
mean ? ” and all at once it struck me that I had been the 
companion of President Lincoln, the Commander-in-chief 
of the Army and Navy of the United States. 

“ Mr. President,” I said, rising, “ I had not the slight- 
est idea that you were what you are. Had I been aware 
of your rank, I should have been more guarded in my 
speech. I pray you to excuse me.” 

“ I have nothing to excuse, my young friend. I like 
to hear a man talk just as he thinks, because then I know 
that his words come from his heart. To hear the truth, 
a man must mix with the world, and be prepared to take 
the world’s opinion. How would you like that, Welles ? ” 

“I am content to be judged by the world after the 
bitterness of the contest has passed away,” replied the 
Secretary. “ History will do us all justice, I have no 
doubt.” 

“Yes, I haye no doubt that it will ; still, it seems rath; 
er hard that one can’t be justified while living. But we’ll 
drop that subject now, and attend to business. What do 
you mean to do with the young man ? He is just what 
you want.” 

“ I will have a lieutenant’s commission made out for 
him.” 

“Now for that service,” said the President, when I had 
signified that I accepted the appointment of volunteer 
lieutenant in the navy of the United States. 

l''he President looked at the Secretary, and the latter 
looked at the former, and then commenced operations on 
his long, white beard. 


38 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ You know what we were talking about, Welles. Put 
the question to him. He won’t squawk, I reckon ; ” and 
once more the President nursed his long legs. 

“ Hem I well, the fact of it is, Lieutenant Constant, we 
want you to undertake a secret-service expedition. No 
one must know, but the persons in this room, that you are 
on duty, or what your business is. Even the firm of 
Blank & Co. must be kept in ignorance of your plans, for 
it would be dangerous to yourself to divulge them, and 
would render our schemes useless.” 

Mr. Welles paused, and looked at the President. The 
latter looked at Mr. Welles, and nodded his head, as much 
as to say that the right tacks were aboard, and the sailing 
quite plain. 

“ The scheme that we propose to you,” continued Mr. 
Welles, in a low, confidential tone, “ is one of danger, but 
stilldiighly honorable, and, if successful, will be lucrative 
in the extreme. The capture of one cotton-loaded ship 
through your means would place you above want — in 
fact, make you independent.” 

“ Rich as Illinois mud,” the President said in a half 
whisper. 

“ And this secret service is not so honorable as some 
others,” I remarked in a quiet tone. 

All three gentlemen exclaimed against such an impu- 
tation. There was no way I could serve my country so 
effectually as by secret service : patriotism called me to 
the work, and as a man I could not decline the position 
that was offered me. 

But you have not yet explained to me what is need- 
ed,” I said, after a pause. 

“Give it to him in full, Welles,” cried the President. 

' “ Make a clean breast of it. He isn’t the man to back 
water after he is once floating down the river. I know 
him by his looks,” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


39 


XhuB urged, Mr. Welles proceeded to unfold his plans ; 
and I will briefly relate them for the benefit of those who 
have but a slight idea of the workings of the secret-ser- 
vice force. He said that the government had been morti- 
fied at the escape and success of blockade runners, which 
left Nassau, Bermuda, and Havana, at certain stages of 
the moon, for Charleston, Mobile, Wilmington, and cer- 
tain parts of Florida. He wanted me' to disguise myself 
as a common seaman, to ship on board one of the block- 
ade runners, to find out the signals, and to do all that man 
could do, without exciting suspicion, to enable the United 
States cruisers to make a capture of the steamer that I 
was on. 

If I was captured, I was to communicate with the cap- 
tain of the United States vessel, but in a private man- 
ner, so that no one would suspect me ; and then I was 
to be set at liberty, or allowed to escape from the vessel, 
so that I could return to my post as soon as possible. 

“That is,” I said, after a moment’s reflection, “you 
want me to act a spy’s part.” 

“No, not exactly that,” returned Mr. Welles. “I 
shouldn’t say a spy. You wouldn’t say a spy — would 
you, Mr. President ? ” 

“ No, I should think not,” returned the President, bal- 
ancing his tall form on two legs of a chair. “ Of course 
not. The spy service is different — entirely different.” 

“ Upon my word, I can’t see the difference,” I answered. 

“ Tell him the rest, Welles,” the President remarked.* 

“ All the captains of our cruisers will have orders to look 
out for you and your signal, and if, through your instru- 
mentality, a blockade runner is taken, you will share in 
the prize money the same as a first lieutenant. If you are 
as successful as I think you will be, you will rank as a rich 
man before many months.” 

“ And marry the girl of your heart,” echoed the Presi- 


40 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


dent. “ No man can do more for his country than you can, 
if you have a mind to.” 

“But it seems to me that you have laid out a large 
amount of work for one man,” I said. “I can’t be in 
Bermuda and Nassau at the same time. A dozen men 
might find employment in looking after blockade runners. 
In fact, I should think that a hundred might be stationed 
at different ports.” 

“ Ahem I ” coughed Mr. Welles, and recommenced 
combing his beard. 

“ Ahem I ” coughed Captain Fox. 

“Ahem I” coughed the President. “Well, we won’t 
say but that we have a few agents at some of the English 
ports ; but how many, you won’t care to know. If you 
consent to undertake the service, I will furnish you with 
a signal by which you will be enabled to recognize all 
those who are engaged in the same work as yourself, so 
that you can co-operate, if necessary. It is just the work 
for a man of ambition and nerve, who desires to make 
money and fame at the same time.” 

I could easily imagine all that I would have to under- 
go, dressing and acting the part of a common sailor, or 
shipping as a petty officer, receiving hard knocks, and 
giving them with a will when it was necessary. I would 
much rather have preferred some other position ; but as 
my country seemed to require that I should take the part 
that Mr. Welles assigned me, I reluctantly consented. 

“ That’s right I ” cried the President, with animation. 
“ Give me your hand, young man. I hope I shall one day 
have the pleasure of commissioning you as admiral.” 

He slapped me on the back in his hearty, bluff manner, 
and then shook hands with me with renewed energy. 

“ Come to me to-morrow morning, and you shall have 
full instructions regarding your new business,” Mr. Welles 
remarked, as he rose to intimate to me that the interview 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


41 


was closed. “ I shall want you to leave for Nassau in the 
course of a week. An English steamer starts from New 
York on the 10th, I think. You must ship on board of 
her as a seaman, and receive your discharge at Nassau, 
But we will talk this matter over to-morrow. I need not 
remind you that you must keep your own counsel in this. 
Be as secret as the grave.” 

“ If I would avoid filling one,” I remarked. 

“ Not so bad as that, I hope,” the President said, and 
then he whispered for a moment or two with Mr. Welles 
and Captain Fox, and left the apartment the same mo- 
ment that I did. 

“ Come,” said the President, passing his arm through 
mine, as he left the building. “ I’m going to the White 
House. Will you go with me ? ” 



CHAPTER II. 


an unexpected meeting. — THE PEESIDENT BEEVES 

MB A GOOD TUEN. — AN ENCOUNTEE. — THE EBSULT. 

— IN NEW YOEK. — AN IMPOETANT INTBEVIBW. — POE 

NASSAU. — STEANGE COMPANIONS. 

I won’t say that I did not feel a little elated at the 
familiar manner of the President ; for it was something to 
boast of to have him put his arm through mine and walk 
along Pennsylvania Avenue, talking in a natural and un- 
affected manner of the future and the past, of the failures 
and the triumphs, the hope and despair of the nation, 
as we advanced or retreated from the work that was be- 
fore us. 

And thus we chatted until we were near the White 


i2 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


House, when I noticed a party of ladies and gentlemen 
coming towards us. They appeared to have just left the 
President’s mansion ; and I supposed that they had called 
to pay their respects to Mr. Lincoln, and, not finding him 
at home, were about drifting back to their hotel. 

There were four ladies and two gentlemen ; and a lively 
party it was — laughing, chatting, and admiring or con- 
demning, as they looked to the right and left, and saw 
things which pleased or displeased their fancy. 

Not until we were close to them did the conversation 
of the ladies subside into inaudible murmurs. 

“ It is the President,” I heard a young lady whisper to 
a gentleman on whose arm she was leaning. 

I looked at her and the gentleman with a strange thrill 
in the region of my heart. I could not forget the sweet 
face that I saw before me. It was Miss Hatty Blank and 
her father, in company with several Boston friends. 

I think I stared so hard at Miss Blank, that she dropped 
her hazel eyes, and blushed as if she were not accustomed 
to admiration. 

“ I say. Constant,” whispered the President, “ there’s 
a confounded good-looking girl. Do you know her ? ” 

The President would have passed on without further 
notice of the party, if I had not detained him ; for Mr. 
Blank had recognized me, and bowed in a much more 
familiar manner than was his custom, for was I not walk- 
ing with the highest in the land — a man who commanded, 
and was obeyed ? And being in such company entitled 
me to some respect at the hands of Mr. Blank. 

I introduced the party to Mr. Lincoln, and the President 
shook hands with all of them in the most affable manner. 
To Hatty he said a word or two relative to her beauty, and 
complimented Boston on producing such charms. 

“ So you have been to the White House to see me, have 
you ? ” asked the President. “ If you will return, I’ll en- 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


4S 


deavor to entertain you for a short time ; and for the ladies 
I’ll provide a treat in the shape of handsome bouquets 
fresh cut from the hot-house. Come, Miss Blank, take 
the arm of my young friend here, while I walk on with 
your father. Don’t shake your head, and say that you are 
not acquainted with him ; for this is Lieutenant Con- 
stant, of the United States navy. Good name for a lover 
— eh. Miss Blank? But of course you never thought 
of such a thing as a beau. Well, well, never blush about 
it. Here, Constant, look after her a bit, while I talk with 
Blank about Massachusetts politics.” 

I must have been somewhat embarrassed at the position 
in which we were placed, for I know that I blushed like a 
schoolboy, and looked at Miss Hatty as though asking her 
to take pity on me ; which appeal must have touched her 
heart, for she laughed, and whispered, — 

“ Isn’t the President funny ? But he isn’t handsome. 
Do you think he is ? ” 

In the mean time I had exchanged a few words with her 
father, and been introduced to the rest of the party — all 
from Boston, and all married except Miss Blank. Mr. 
Blank was so much elated at the condescending manner 
of the President, that he was quite willing to forget his 
daughter, and permit her to walk with whom she pleased ; 
while the rest of the party kept close to the President’s 
heels, for the purpose of listening to one of those cele- 
brated stories for which Mr. Lincoln was noted. So Miss 
Hatty and I walked along in the rear, quite unnoticed ; 
she looking very demure, and I rather flushed and trem- 
bling, not exhibiting that composure and firmness which a 
lieutenant in the navy should always show when in the 
presence of an enemy or a piece of dimity. 

I have read in books how some fellows would have con- 
ducted themselves if they had been situated as I was. 
They would have thought nothing of vowing love to the 


44 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


girl ; making her promise to give her hand, and ther. eloping 
with her, and marrying her, all within an hour’s time, and 
in spite of the vigilance of friends. I wondered if such 
dashing lovers would have dared to utter a word to Miss 
Hatty, and how they would have succeeded. All this I 
thought of as we walked along ; but still I did not find 
that strength which novel-heroes always have. 

Presently Miss Hatty looked up and shot a glance at me 
with her dark hazel eyes, and with the glance a bright 
smile, as though she were thinking what a goose I was. 

“We have met before, have we not ? ” the young lady 
asked. 

“ Yes ; I saw you once at your father’s office. It was 
nearly two weeks since. I have not forgotten the day or 
the hour.” 

“ Indeed I how strange I ” and then she flashed a glance 
at me, as if to judge how sincere I was in my expressions. 

“ Not so strange. Miss Blank, when you recollect that 
sailors are rather susceptible, and love to look at a hand- 
some face as well as sail a clipper ship.” 

“ How singular I I suppose that in foreign ports you 
see many beautiful women, with dark eyes and hair, as 
graceful as ballet dancers, and as indolent as first-class 
beauties have a right to be ? ” 

“ I have seen handsomer women in my own country 
than I ever saw in foreign ports,” I replied, with a low 
bow and so ardent a look that the young lady could not 
misunderstand my meaning, so she blushed and changed 
the conversation. 

I feared that I had offended her, but her face did not 
show that she was very angry, so I amused her with my 
adventures in Washington, my first meeting with the 
President, the mistakes I had made in talking with him, 
and other matters that interested her, for she laughed quite 
heartily, so much so that the President turned and asked, — 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


45 


“ Constant, what is it you are telling the lady ? Some 
good story, I’ll warrant. You are making yourself quite 
agreeable for a naval officer. Recollect, I’ll have no lo^ic 
affair, for the nation wants you at this time.** 

I felt my face burn, and, to add to my confusion, Mr. 
Blank and the ladies of the party all turned and looked at 
me, some with surprise, and others with a haughty stare 
of contempt that was almost maddening, for it showed me 
that the estimation in which I was held was not of the 
highest order, in spite of the appointment which I had 
just received, and the affability of the President. 

Had I been a regular officer in the United States navy, 
one who had been educated at the expense of the nation, 
I should have been considered the equal of any man or 
woman present ; but as I was only a volunteer officer, who 
entered the navy for the purpose of receiving hard blows 
and aiding the country, it was not meet that I should be 
treated like some of the gentlemen who affected to think 
but lightly of volunteer officers. 

I did not talk much after the President fired his shot. 
Miss Hatty noted the change and was also silent, and not 
even the President*s jokes could rally us. 

We entered the White House, and were escorted to the 
East Room, looked at the pictures, and then were con- 
ducted to an ante-room, where Mr. Lincoln made us drink 
a glass of wine, told us some stories, and dismissed us in a 
pleasant manner, with an invitation to call again. 

“ Constant,” Old Abe said, as he shook hands with me 
at the door, “ let me see you before you leave Washing 
ton. I have some good advice to give you. I want you 
to take care of yourself, and come back deserving the 
tlianks of your country. Don’t forget that. Always bear 
it in mind in all your undertakings.” 

“ I will,” I answered. 

“ And one thing. Constant,” the President continued, 


46 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


still retaining his hold of my hand, “ I noticed one thing 
while you were walking with that young lady. You 
needn’t blush, because she is a pretty girl, and I don’t 
blame you for falling in love with her — most men would. 
I remember when I first commenced practising law in 
Illinois, I saw a young girl that I took an awful shine to, 
but she wouldn’t have me because my prospects were so 
uncertain. Now your prospects are uncertain ; but there 
is no reason why you should not rise to a position in life 
that is equal to mine. The father don’t suspect that you 
are hankering after his daughter, so I didn’t let on, but I 
just put in a few words in your favor that made an im- 
pression. He has other ideas for his child, but don’t you 
give up the ship just yet. There is time enough. If I can 
make you a captain before the war closes. I’ll do it. But 
do your duty, and promotion will come. Now run and 
gallant the girl to her hotel, for I see that she is looking 
around for you. Say nothing to Blank^ for he is a proud 
man, vain of his wealth, position in the world, and all such 
nonsense ; but still keep up hope ; and, speaking of hope, 
reminds me of a little story. When — ” 

Lucky for me, Mrs. Lincoln appeared at this moment, 
and so I made my escape ; but instead of attaching myself 
to Miss Blank, after I had overtaken the party, I walked 
with her father, who immediately commenced pumping me 
on certain points, one of the most important being the 
station to which I was ordered for duty. 

I had half a mind to let Mr. Blank know the secret ser- 
vice which I had undertaken ; but I remembered Mr. 
Welles’ warning, not to hint to any one the duty I had 
promised to assume, so I wisely held my tongue ; and 
months afterwards I had cause to be thankful that I did 
not confide in Mr. Blank, or expose the secrets of the Navy 
-Department. 

‘‘ So, Constant, you don’t know to what part of the 
world you may be ordered ? ” asked Mr. Blank, 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


47 


“ No, sir ; I don’t think that the department has yet 
made up its mind what to do with me.” 

‘‘Well, I suppose that you will soon learn. Do you 
remain long in Washington ? ” 

“ No, sir ; I think not.” 

“ Well, I would not if I were you. This is an expen 
sive place ; and one meets so much bad company here, 
the morals of the best of men are soon corrupted. Noth- 
ing would bring me here but business. Hatty, my dear, 
that is General McClellan whom you see on horseback. 
He is our young Napoleon.” 

Of course all the ladies cried out in one breath that he 
was splendid, handsome as Adonis, and other remarks 
equally complimentary ; and while all were looking at the 
man, as he galloped along the avenue at the head of his 
staff, I managed to take my leave almost unperceived ; for 
I thought that I was no longer wanted in that select cir- 
cle, whose pride was built upon money, whose hopes were 
based upon money, and whose thoughts were upon money. 

As I walked towards the hotel, thinking of the vari- 
ous scenes which I had witnessed since I had left it, I 
chanced to look up, and saw that Miss Blank was just in 
advance of me, and that she was alone, having left hei 
father and party for a moment to do a little shopping: 

This was a most imprudent act* on the part of Miss 
Hatty, and if she had been acquainted with the morals of 
Waslungton, she would never have ventured on such a 
course ; or, if her father had stopped to consider that the 
Washington of to-day is not the Washington of twenty 
years back, he would have accompanied her on her little 
excursion among the dry goods stores of the capital of the 
United States. Bub it was fatgd that he should not ; and 
so I had an opportunity to once more run alongside, and 
speak to her. 

It happened in this manner ; I noticed the dainty form 
4 


48 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


of the young lady, as she tripped on before me, so I quick' 
ened my steps for the purpose of keeping close to her, 
admiring her, and wishing that she would turn her head 
so that I might make my presence known. But she did 
not look back, Eilthough she glanced from side to side, as 
though in search of a certain kind of store, and could not 
find what she wanted. 

Those eyes of hers, and the glances combined, were the 
means of producing trouble ; for an officer, a young fellow 
who looked as though^e had been doing guard duty all 
night and part of the morning over a spirited fortification 
of bottles, imagined that those eyes and glances were for 
his especial benefit, and that the owner of them was rather 
struck with his form and face, the latter puJffed out and 
inflated as though the veins were filled with a mixture of 
liquor and gas, and the former all stomach, and very little 
shoulders. 

This interesting youth noted Miss Hatty’s eyes and 
face, and he was just vain enough to think that he had 
created a sensation in the region of her heart. He saw 
she was unattended, and supposed she might not be un- 
willing to engage in a little idle flirtation, like many of 
the silly young women of Washington, who found a gay 
army uniform attractive. 

The officer’s brain was stupefied with liquor, or he 
must have noticed Miss Blank’s air of reserve and dignity. 

I am glad that he was drunk, or too much under the 
influence of liquor to make nice distinctions, and the 
reason for such feeling will soon be apparent. 

The military man touched his cap as he passed Hatty. 
She did not notice the act, or even look at the fellow, for 
her thoughts were on oth^r matters ; but he supposed that 
she made a sign, so he turned and hastened after her. 

‘‘ My pretty little posy-osey,” the drunken fool said, 
as he came alongside of the lady. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


49 


She looked at him with a haughty stare of astonishment. 
She did not coroprehend the man. 

Does mv little ducky want comuany ? ” asked the offi- 
cer, ana ne pur our one or nis arms as tnough he intended 
to throw it around her. 

She avoided the embrace, yet was not frightened, for 
she was a girl of courage and decision in spite of her little 
vanities. 

“ Don’t you fight so blamed shy I ” the man cried. “ I 
know you, and want to talk with you. You’d better con- 
fide in me. I have influence with the provost marshal.” 

Once more he approached her, and stretched out his 
arm. She avoided him, and began to look a little anxious, 
as though she had encountered something really serious. 

The officer shook his head, and attempted to scratch it 
with his dirty fingers. As no new ideas entered his brain 
by such means, he stopped working amongst his hair, 
uttered an oath or two by way of gaining fresh audacity, 
and then ran towards the young lady. 

“ I’ll have a kiss,” he said, “ if it costs me all my postal 
currency I ” 

He threw his arms around her waist, and made a dash 
for her lips ; but Miss Hatty dodged her head and uttered 
an indignant remonstrance, at the same time she called for 
help. 

She did not have to call more than twice before I was 
alongside, and ready to grapple with her foe ; and I never 
felt more gratified at the prospect of a row than I did at 
that moment, when Miss Hatty was to receive the benefit 
of my strength and devotion. 

I laid^one hand on the officer’s collar, and the other in 
the region of his coat tail, and then with a sudden jerk I 
sent the fellow flying into the gutter, where he struck 
with such force that the blood spirted from his nose, but he 
had too much liquor aboard to be deprived of his senses. 


60 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


He scrambled to his feet in a moment or two, and then 
came towards me, revolver in hand. 

I don’t know how it happened : but, wh"en I had sent 
the drunken fellow to the gutter, I put out my arm and 
placed it around the waist of Miss Hatty ; for it seemed 
to me she was so much agitated that she must faint. 
But I afterwards found that she was not one of the faint- 
ing kind. Although somewhat frightened, she did not 
think it necessary to lose her senses ; but, for all that, 
she did not entirely repudiate the support of my arm 
when I placed my body as a shield between herself and 
the savage drunken officer. 

As the ruffian stood up, covering me with his pistol, 
the blood streaming down his nose, his hair in disorder, 
his face bloated and flushed with passion, he did not look 
very inviting, and it struck me that the present was an 
excellent opportunity to utter a prayer or two, for the 
purpose of keeping an anchor to the windward in case 
of serious accidents ; but just at that moment I could not 
think of a suitable one, and, if I had. Miss Hatty would 
have interrupted it, for she made a faint struggle when 
she saw that I stood as a shield between her and danger, 
and exclaimed, — 

‘‘ O, no ! You must not. You are too kind and too 
generous. Let me be exposed, not you.” 

But I could not heed her remonstrance. I thought at 
the moment that I would give my life for her own, so I 
stood firm, at the same time keeping my eyes on the 
officer, expecting him to fire every moment. 

“You have insulted a gentleman!” the drunkard 
bellowed. “ You shall pay for it. I’ll shoot you.” 

“ You had better not,” I returned as calmly as I could. 
“Think better of it, and give up the idea. Even in 
Washington assassination is not common, so you may b« 
p^ished.” 



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RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 51 

“Never. You have insulted me. Death to you and 
the young girl on your arm.’’ 

As he spoke, he took aim and fired ; but, luckily for 
Miss Hatty and myself, most of the officers who loafed 
around Washington instead of being at the front in those 
days, were more familiar with the contents of black bottles 
than those of revolvers; so, as a matter of course, the 
ball whistled within a foot of my head, and lodged in the 
side of a house. 

When the drunkard discharged his revolver he was not 
more than two fathoms from me, so the moment the shot 
was fired I made up my mind what to do. I knew 
if I turned and ran a second shot would follow, and per- 
haps wing me, while if I advanced I might escape. 

I resolved on the latter course as the boldest, and the 
one calculated to produce the. most effect on Miss Hatty; 
for I did not want her to think that I was a coward, or 
capable of deserting her at tlje first appearance of danger. 

I removed my arm from the lady’s waist, and then, with 
a sudden rush, was within reach of the man before he had 
time to cock the pistol and take a second shot. 

“ I’ll kill you I ” the ruffian said, and put his thumb 
on the cock of the revolver ; but, before he had time to 
do more, I planted my fist beneath his nose, and over he 
went like a dead man. 

He did not move after he fell, but lay as though 
stunned by the blow and fall ; but for fear that he 
should revive, and once more make trouble, I took his 
revolver, discharged the loaded barrels, then threw the 
weapon in the mud, and once more joined Miss Hatty, 
who remained on the sidewalk, seemingly quite interested 
m all I did. 

“ Now, Miss Blank,” I said, in as calm a tone as I could 
assume, “ if you will suffer me to conduct you to your 
hotel, I should be proud of the honor.” 


62 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


She looked at me with a wondering pair of eyes and a 
pale face. 

“ Are you sure that you are not hurt ? ” she asked. 

“ I am quite certain on that point. The fellow missed 
me. He will not be likely to use his pistol for some time 
to come.” 

“ I am so glad that you are not injured, for do you know 
that it was quite noble in you to come to my assistance in 
such a brave manner ? I don’t believe that many of the 
young gentlemen of my acquaintance would have acted as 
you have.” 

“Will you walk along with me ? ” I asked, for a crowd 
of loafers began to collect around the ofl&cer, ' and the 
usuaL amount of bickering and pocket-picking commenced, 
while several dark darkies were already seated on the 
curbstones addressing the fallen hero in tones of comic 
commiseration, and I heard one of them say, — 

“ What for you down th^r for, wid yer nose all bunged 
up ? Say, massa ossifer, can’t you talk? ” 

And then the companions of the negro yelled with 
laughter, for they had found something that was lower 
even than their own social scale. 

Hatty laid her hand on my arm, and I led her away, 
fearing more disturbance, several military officers having 
arrived on the spot, and were evidently inclined to avenge 
the wrongs of the insensible man. 

We did not hasten our steps, for I scorned to run away, 
and I think that Miss Blank was equally as proud as 
myself on that point. 

“lam thankful that I was so near as to render you 
some assistance,” I said, when we were beyond the crowd’s 
observation. 

“ Goodness knows, I am ever so glad I ” replied Misa 
Blank. “ I don’t know what I should have done had you 
not come to my aid. The man was drunk, and I don’t 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


68 


like to hare a drunken man near me. Will you let me 
thank you for what you have done ? But I will thank 
you, whether you want me to or not. It was a real brave 
act on your part, and but few of my gentlemen acquaint- 
ances would have done the same. Come, don’t blush. 
You didn’t blush the first time I saw you.” 

“ Do you recollect the first time I ever saw you ? ” I 
asked, and stole a look at her handsome, glowing face. 

“ Of course I do ; and I thought you a very impertinent 
man.” 

“ For what reason ? ” 

“ Because you stared at me in such a rude manner.” 

“ But it takes two persons, Miss Blank, to effect a stare 
such as you complain of.” 

“ O, does it? Well, do you mean to say that I looked 
at you in a rude manner ? ” and Miss Hatty tossed her 
head, and attempted to frown. 

“ Miss Blank is never rude. Indeed she could not be.” 

“ Thank you for the compliment, sir. I did not think 
that sailors, with their honest heartiness and bluff ness, could 
flatter, but I find that I am mistaken. I am sorry to think 
that I have been laboring under such a misapprehension.” 

I laughed at her wilful, playful ways, and grew more 
confident as I began to realize my position and present 
happiness ; for it was happiness to be in her company, to 
hear her voice, and feel the pressure of her little hand on 
the sleeve of my coat. 

“ But tell me one thing,” I said. “ Do you forgive me 
for offending you the first time we met ?” 

“You did not offend me. I noticed that you stared at 
me as though you thought I was an awfully wild girl, and 
I am afraid you think so now.” 

“I do not know what I think,” I replied; and it 
seemed as though I must pour out the burden of my 
heart, tell her that I loved her, and would die for her if it 


64 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


would afford her the least satisfaction ; but, by an effort, 
I managed to prevent making a fool of myself, and that 
is something to be wondered at, for a pretty girl can turn 
the head of the most obdurate of men. 

“ Do not think harshly of me, at all events,” she said. 
“ I have my sober moments as well as other people. Now, 
to prove it, I have a great mind to tell you something.” 

“ I should be delighted to hear it. Do favor me.” 

“ Well, I will. Just before I was insulted, I was 
thinking of you.” 

“ Indeed I I am most happy to hear it. Pray, teli me 
of your thoughts.” 

“ I will ; but you won’t laugh ? ” 

“No.” 

“Well, I was thinking that it was very singular we 
should meet in Washington ; and I wondered if we should 
often see each other. Now don’t laugh.” 

I did not feel in the least like smiling after such a 
confession. 

“ And I, too, have a secret to confide to you. Would 
you like to bear it? ” I asked. 

“ Yes, indeed I should.” 

“ Perhaps you will be offended with me for being so 
frank.” 

“No, I hope not. But I can’t teU till I hear what 
it is.” 

“ You say that you feel grateful to me ? ” 

“ Yes, very grateful.” 

I stole a quick look at her face, and saw that her bright 
eyes were dimmed with tears. She was thinking of the 
insults of the drunken officer. 

“If such is your feeling, then I have no doubt but that 
you will pardon me. I will confess my crime in a few 
words. The day I saw you at your father’s office 
dropped a photograph of yourself.” 






RUNNING THE BLOCKAME. 56 

She looked up with a knowing smE^. She began to 
c tnprehend piy meaning. 

“ That photograph,” I continued, “ I picked up and 
placed in my pocket, intending to keep it. Here it is. 
What shall I do with it?” 

She just glanced at it, but did not offer to take it. 

“ It is a horrid likeness,” she said. “ Somehow the 
artist did not get a good light, and I had on the most 
unbecoming dress that I ever wore. I have always felt 
ashamed of the picture.” 

“ And you will allow me to retain possession of it ? ” 

“ Why, yes, I suppose so. That is, if you want it. I 
would rather you had a better one. I don’t see how I 
happened to drop it ; but I suppose that it fell from my 
card case. I am sure I don’t see what you want of such a 
fright.” 

I placed the photograph in my breast pocket, and as I 
did so, I noticed a look of satisfaction on the face of Mhis 
Hatty. She was flattered by the reverence with which I 
treated her picture. 

We walked on a short distance in silence, and then Miss 
Hatty suddenly looked up, and withdrew her hand from 
my arm. 

“01” she cried, “ here is papa. He has come to look 
for me.” 

Mr. Blank had waited at his hotel some time for the 
return of his daughter, but as she had not arrived as 
early as he expected he had started out to find her, feel- 
ing a little uneasy at her absence.” 

“ O, papa I ” Miss Hatty cried, starting forward, and 
clasping his arm, “ such an adventure I I am sure I am 
almost frightened out of my wits, and should have died 
if it had not been for Captain Constant. He saved me, 
papa I indeed he did.” 

“ How ? What is the meaning of all this ? ” asked Mr 


66 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Blank, who began to tremble, fearing that something 
serious had happened. 

Miss Hatty, like all young ladies under similar circum- 
stances, commenced shedding tears, and those only added 
to her father’s perplexity. 

He looked at his daughter, and then at me. 

“ Who has dared ? ” he asked, and then stopped. 

“ Explain this matter, sir,” he said, aS though I was the 
culprit, and had presumed to offend the only daughter of 
the rich Boston merchant. 

“ O, he is not the one,” sobbed the young lady. “ He 
would have given his life for mine ; he is all that is brave, 
noble, and generous.” 

Brave, noble, generous? What in thunder does this 
mean?” 

By this time the usual Washington crowd commenced 
gathering around us, and one pickpocket, more bold than 
the rest, made a dash for Mr. Blank’s watch; but the 
timekeeper was secured by a secret guard, so the attempt 
failed, and the fellow retired, and allowed some other 
expert to make a trial. 

Just then a carriage passed us. I hailed the driver, and 
engaged him to take us to the hotel where Mr. Blank was 
stopping. 

When the coachman slammed to the door, and drove 
along the avenue, Mr. Blank said, — 

“ Now, pet, dry your tears, and tell me all that has 
transpired. Let me know what has happened from your 
own lips. Who has dared to insult a daughter of mine ? ” 

I interrupted him, and said that I would give him a full 
account of all that had happened, but the offer was not 
accepted. 

“ No, sir ; let my daughter tell me all that she recollects 
of the matter. Come, darling, don’t be frightened. I 
am here to protect you.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


6 ? 


Thus encouraged^ Miss Hatty related all that had 
passed, — how the officer had insulted her by putting his 
arms around her waist, and offering to kiss her ; and how 
I had come to her rescue, and saved her, although I had 
endangered my life in so doing. 

Her father listened in patience to all that she told him, 
and when she had concluded, he kissed her, and congratu- 
lated her on her narrow escape ; but not one word did he 
think of addressing to me until his daughter reminded him 
that I deserved her thanks, and the thanks of all her 
relatives. 

“ O, yes I I nearly forgot that. Captain Constant. 
Allow me to thank you for what you have done. It is 
just what I should have expected of you. Hatty, my 
dear, have you thanked the captain?” 

“ O, yes, papa I some time since. I did not wait to be 
told.” 

“ Ah I quite proper and right. But you don’t under- 
stand these things like men. We have a more uncere- 
monious method of doing business than you women. Ah, 
^3re we are at the hotel. Will you go in with us, captain ? ” 

He asked the question in so indifferent a tone that I was 
indignant. 

“ If he can’t treat me with some show of politeness,” I 
thought, “ I will spare him the annoyance of my company. 
At least he might be grateful and courteous at the same 
time.” 

But it was not in the man’s nature to be courteous to i 
person of my station in life. What I had done he regarded 
as perfectly proper, and he would have blamed any of hii 
employees who had declined the same kind of service 
In fact, if a man lost his life while serving Mr. Blank, it wat 
not regarded as a serious matter, but a just tribute to the 
virtues of Mr. Blank’s position that had been built up with 
gold, and hedged in with exclusiveness. 


58 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“Won^t you come in with us? asked Hatty, who 
noted the manner in which I had received the invitation 
from her father. 

We were standing on the sidewalk in front of the hotel 
at which Mr. Blank was stopping. 

Her father had turned his back, and was about to enter 
the hotel without another word ; but when he heard his 
daughter’s invitation, he stopped, turned half round, and 
awaited the result of the request. He did not join her in 
making it ; he thought that he had performed Ms duty in 
speaking as he had. 

“ I have business that will prevent me from accepting 
your kind invitation.” 

“ Won’t you come in for a moment ? ” 

I shook my head. With a woman’s quick perception, 
she saw what was the matter, and was anxious to make 
amends for her father’s rudeness. I appreciated her 
motives, but at the same time would not violate the reso- 
lution which I had formed not to force myself into the 
society of Mr. Blank. 

As Miss Hatty spoke, Mr. Blank manifested symptoms 
of impatience. 

“ Come, child, come I ” he said. “ Don’t loiter on the 
sidewalk.” 

“ I shall see you again before you leave Washington ? ” 
Miss Hatty asked. 

“ I think not. My business is pressing.” 

She looked grieved for a moment, and an impatient 
command from her father cut short all discussion. She 
held out her hand. 

“ Good by until I see you again. I shall never, never for- 
get the service you have rendered me. Be assured of that.” 

For one moment I held her hand. Then she withdrew 
it, and turned away ; but there was a look in her eyes 
that was eloquent of feeling and gratitude. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


69 


She put her hand on her father’s arm, and together 
they entered the hotel, Mr. Blank looking neither to the 
right nor left. 

I caught one last glimpse of the lady’s face, and then, 
with a sigh, moved in the direction of my hotel. 

The day and night passed, and, punctual to the minute, 
I presented myself before Mr. Welles and Captain Fox 
at the Navy Department. 

The Secretary of the Navy was very deep in thought, 
and his fingers were lost in the tangled locks of his beard 
when I entered the apartment which was used as his 
private office ; while Captain Fox was examining the 
model of a double-end er, pondering over it as though 
he was endeavoring to convince himself that a steamer, 
built after the pattern before him, could move as fast 
through the water while going one way as another. 

Both gentlemen looked up as I entered the room, and 
both of them left their occupations to attend to my business, 

“ You are punctual,” said the Secretary. “ This looks 
well for the future.” 

I bowed, and accepted the chair that the Secretary 
pointed to. 

“ Captain Fox, is Mr. Constant’s commission made out ? ” 
Mr. Welles asked. 

Captain Fox said that such things were never forgotten 
at the department, and as proof of his words selected a 
parchment from the midst of a hundred others, and handed 
it to Mr. Welles. 

“You accept the commission of lieutenant, do you ? ” 
asked the Secretary of the Navy, after a glance over the 
document. 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Then take it. Now I shall order you to perform 
the duty that I spoke to you about yesterday. You recol- 
lect it ? ” 


60 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Yes, sir.** 

“ And have you thought of the matter ? Have you 
weighed the whole affair in your mind ? ’* 

“ Yes, sir ; I have considered all the dangers and the 
hardships.’* 

“ They shall be paid for out of the secret-service fund ; 
and in addition to the regular salary of a lieutenant 
This is something that I should not offer to every one ; but 
I have taken a fancy to you, and think that — ” 

“ He’s just the man for the place,” interrupted Captain 
Fox, who saw that his chief was hesitating for a word. 

“ Precisely : just so. The man for the place. That’s it- 
There are but few in whom we would put so much trust ; 
the business is so peculiar.” 

“ Requiring so much tact and self-possession,” hinted 
the captain. 

“ All that you can summon,” continued the Secretary. 
“ But now for the final instructions. Captain Fox, you 
have given some attention to the subject. Explain 
all that is necessary to Lieutenant Constant — the 
secret signals, a-nd all;” and then Mr. Welles turned 
me over to his subordinate, and plunged into a mass of 
correspondence. 

It is not necessary that 1 should enlighten, the world 
relative to my instructions, the signals which I were to 
make if I had an opportunity, the signals which I were to 
recognize when I encountered one of our gunboats, the 
commanders of our national ships, the American consuls 
at all ports where blockade runners congregated, and 
nearly all persons who were engaged in the same business 
as myself ; and it was intimated that I should meet several 
of them on land, on shipboard, and in the queerest of 
places. 

“ Understand me distinctly,” said Captain Fox. “ The 
qommanders of our national ships alone have the key to 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


61 


the signals which I have imparted to you. No other person 
on board knows anything about them. Our captains are“ 
instructed, that if their ships are in danger of capture, the 
signal-books must be destroyed at all hazards, even at the 
sacrifice of life ; so you see that your secret is secure. The 
consuls keep their secret instructions locked up in their 
safes ; and as they are burglar-proof, there is no fear of 
their being stolen. Now let me see if you can go through 
with all the minute instructions which I have imparted to 
you. It is necessary that you should commit all to mem- 
ory, for we don’t dare trust papers to men who are com- 
pelled to play such hazardous parts.” 

I have a most retentive memory, and can learn quick. 
I caught the spirit of his meaning at once, and was en- 
abled to repeat all the signals ; the grip of hands, the 
position of the head, even the wearing of the hat, cap, or 
clothes, was significant of something connected with secret 
service ; and all were so well arranged, so entirely unsus- 
picious, that no one could have detected, unless initiated, 
that men were working in common for some great purpose. 

For nearly two hours did I go over the lessons with 
Captain Fox ; and at the end of that time he said I was 
text-perfect, and congratulated me on my retentive mem- 
ory, which he thought promised great results. 

“ And now, one word,” he said, as he arose to intimate 
that our interview was about to close ; “ you are to em- 
bark on the most dangerous business that the department 
can send you to look after. A word, a glance, or even a 
suspicion, will be enough to end your days with a rope 
around your neck, or a toss overboard some dark night. 
Now I think we understand each other.” 

“ I am positive that we do.” 

“ Well, such being the case, you must get away as 
soon as possible. An English steamer leaves New York 
for Nassau in the course of a few days. On board that 
6 


62 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


steamer you must embark, either as a sailor, working your 
way before the mast, or as a rabid secessionist, anxious to 
aid the South, and despising the North. But you must 
not overdo the thing ; and above all, remember that the 
Southern gentleman always detests one who agrees with 
him in all things. You have a peculiar part to play, but 
I think that I can trust to you to enact the rdle I have 
marked out. Of course you are acquainted with parties 
at the South, so that if necessary you can mention their 
names? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ And are familiar with some town, so that you can hail 
from the place in case it is necessary ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then you are all right. After you reach New York, 
you can decide whether you go to Nassau as a sailor or 
sympathizer. If the latter, call on the collector of the 
port, and he will furnish you with money for your passage. 
Now take leave of Mr. Welles, and then you can go.” 

Mr. Welles was reading a letter and combing out his 
beard when we ventured to disturb him. He extended 
his hand, gave me an anxious glance, and asked, — 

“ Does Lieutenant Constant know all ? ” 

“ Yes ; I have given him full directions,” answered Cap- 
tain Fox. 

“ And he agrees to all the proposals ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ; without the least reservation.” 

“ Then he will be successful. Mark my words, Captain 
Fox: Lieutenant Constant will give a good account of 
himself. Farewell, sir;” and Mr. Welles resumed his 
paper and beard at the same time. 

I left the Navy Department, and then thought of my 
promise to the President, and concluded that I would call 
on him, and bid him farewell. 

No sooner was the thought formed than I determined to 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


63 


execute it. I walked slowly along Pennsylvania Avenue, 
thinking of Miss Blank, and wishing I could obtain another 
glimpse of her sweet face without; seeking her at the hotel, 
and wondering if she had given me a thought since we 
parted the day before, when who should I encounter but 
the drunken fellow who had insulted Miss Hatty. He 
was in company with a brother officer ; and as they were 
near me, and talking in rather a loud tone of voice, I could 
hear all that passed between them. 

“ I tell you what it is,” said the fellow who bore the 
marks of punishment, “ if I could find him, I’d skin him.” 

“ And yet you say you insulted the girl ? ” 

“ Yes ; but I was drunk and didn’t know what I was 
doing ; besides I didn’t think — ” 

“Never mind what you thought. Now you had 
better let the matter drop, because, if you don’t, it may 
turn out that the girl is the wife or daughter of one of 
our Congressmen, and then you can judge where you 
would be. I tell you, they’d strip the bars off your shoul- 
ders in no time.” 

Just at this instant I was close alongside of the speaker, 
and looked him full in the face. He knew me in an in- 
stant, for he was not so drunk the day before but that he 
could recoUect. 

“ By Heaven, there is the man I ” cried the military 
genius, clutching the arm of his judicious adviser. 

“ Well, all that I can say is, that he has a smart look,” 
replied the latter ; “ so let him alone.” 

But this advice was unheeded. My antagonist broke 
away from the restraint imposed upon him, and came 
towards me. 

“ Sir,” he asked, “ did you, or did you not, strike me 
yesterday ? ” 

“ Yes, for insulting a lady ; and, if you should repeat 
such conduct while I was near, I should repeat the dose 
that was administered*” 


64 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ You have insulted me, and I will have satisfaction. 
Who are you ? Give me your card.’’ 

“ What kind of satisfaction do you require ? ” 

“ An exchange of shots.” 

“ Well, you owe me one. Recollect that you fired at 
me yesterday ; so stand off six paces, that I can have a fair 
chance. I know that I can hit you.” 

“ Would you murder me? ” demanded the fellow. 

“No; but you attempted to murder me. I mean to 
wing you so that you will no longer disgrace the army. I 
will shatter a leg or arm, whichever you prefer.” 

“ I want a fair exchange of shots : that is all I desire,” 
remarked the officer. “ Will you grant me my request ? ” 

“ Why, you want all the advantage. You have had 
one shot, and now you want another — two to my one. 
Don’t you see the injustice of such a request ? Come, be 
reasonable, and let us settle this matter in a fair way. I’ll 
fire at you ; and then, if I don’t maim you, you can have 
another turn, on an equal footing.” 

“ I won’t fight in that manner.” 

“ I hope that you are talking of fighting the enemies of 
your country,” said a calm, cheerful voice at my elbow. 

I turned, and saw that President Lincoln had approached 
us unperceived. How 'much of the conversation he had 
heard I was unable to determine, for I could tell nothing 
by his face. 

The two army officers took off their caps, and bowed 
most profoundly, while the President laid his hand on my 
shoulder, and asked, — 

“ What is the meaning of this. Constant? ” 

“ O, these gentlemen and myself were having a little 
fun owing to something that happened yesterday.” 

“ Yes ; I have heard of the affair. Blank told me about 
it last night. I saw him at Seward’s ; I knew that I had 
not misjudged you. I can generally tell what a man is by 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


65 


the look of his face. You are as ready to fight for a lady 
as your country.” 

“ I did what honor commanded me to do,” I remarked. 

“ And honor in that instance was a good prompter ; but 
it is not at the present time. Come with me. I want to 
speak with you.” 

As I turned to follow him, he addressed my late ad- 
versary, — 

“ Go to your regiment, and report yourself under arrest 
for creating a disturbance in the street, and for drunken- 
ness. I will see that you have justice.” 

The military officer marched off with a halting step, 
while his companion took an opposite course, and seemed 
to feel thankful that he had escaped some kind of punish- 
ment. 

“ Constant,” said the President, as we walked along, 
“ you did a good thing yesterday, when you protected that 
girl. She will recollect you for it. I know that she will, 
by the way her eyes sparkled last night when she told me 
how you managed. Good-looking, isn’t she ? Will make 
some man happy.” 

I sighed when I thought that such might be the case. 

“ I don’t know that you have told your love,” continued 
the President, with a laugh, “ or whether you have let it 
lie concealed in your damask cheek. But my opinion is, 
go in, and win glory and lots of prize money. Those 
things will tell, if they are backed by devotion and good 
looks.” 

“ Yes ; but how can I win glory by acting the part that 
I must act ? ” 

“ By serving your country. It is not the station, nor 
the duties, but the zeal that proves a man’s patriotism. 
Do your duty where fate or chance may cast you, and 
you will find that your own conscience will approve ; and 
that is glory enough for most any man.” 

3 


66 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ But not enough to win the heart of a handsome, ro- 
mantic girl,” I remarked in a sad tone. 

“ I tell you what,” cried the President, “ if a man makes 
love to a girl, and that love is rather acceptable than 
otherwise, she won’t look for glaring deeds. Now, I once 
courted a girl in Illinois, when I studied for the bar, and 
she told me that I could never make a show in the world, 
because I wasn’t a rising man. I was not so tall then as 
I am now. In fact, I thought I was running to seed ; but 
I sprouted after a while, and here I am as high as any of 
them.” 

Of course I thanked the President for his kind advice, 
and then pleaded an engagement, and was let off with 
good wishes for my success, and a hearty shake of the 
hand. That was the last I saw of President Lincoln for 
some months. 

In due time I arrived in New York, and made inquiries 
respecting the sailing of a steamer for Nassau. I soon 
found that I had several days to spare, so concluded to run 
on to Boston, and settle up some little affairs I had left 
undisposed of ; and this done, I returned to New York, 
and commenced working in earnest 

Remembering what Captain Fox had told me about con- 
sulting with the collector of the port of New York, and 
obtaining some hints respecting my future conduct, I de- 
termined to call and see him ; so about eleven o’clock I 
started for the custom-house. 

It was a long time before I could obtain an audience, 
and I did not succeed until I had written my name on a 
slip of paper, and then just beneath the signature drew a 
few flourishes, which no one would have noticed, and yet 
they were very significant to the initiated. It was a stroke 
of secret-service diplomacy that Captain Fox had taught 
me to use when an important interview was to be obtained 
with some member of the government who did not wish to 
be annoyed with bores. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


67 


No sooner did the collector receive my name as it was k 
written, than a change took place in his disposition. He 
gave such imperative orders that I should be admitted 
immediately, that all the clerks in hearing thought I was 
to have an office in the custom-house. 

The usher bade me follow him, and then I was intro- 
duced into the presence of the great man. 

He was seated at his desk, and near him were some 
dozen or twenty people — some writing, and some talking. 

The collector looked at me with a keen glance, and 
made an almost imperceptible sign. In an instant I had 
answered it, and then gave the sign that followed recog- 
nition. It was returned. The collector rose, and extend- 
ed his hand. I gave him the grip that he was expecting. 

“ You want to see me on particular business ? he 
asked. 

“ Yes ; I should like a moment’s conversation with you.” 

He led the way to a private room, and then closed and 
locked the doer. 

“ Now, sir,” he answered, “ I am ready to hear all that 
you have to offer. I find that you are on secret service.” 

I then informed him of my errand, and for a moment 
the collector pondered. At last he took from a safe a 
thick book, looked over its pages, read for a moment, and 
then said, — 

“You must leave in the English steamer that sails to- 
morrow. If you engage a passage, you will be looked 
upon with suspicion ; for no less than a dozen sympathiz- 
ers start for Nassau in the vessel. Do you think that you 
can hold your own in boasting of the resources of the 
South?” 

“ I can try.” 

“ Yes; but you must be careful, and keep within bounds. 

If you ship as a common seaman, there will be but little 
chance of your learning secret movements. Yes; my 


68 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


advice is, that you engage passage, give out that you be 
long to some Southern town where there are but few 
inhabitants, or else to some city where there are many. 
You can judge which is best.’’ 

“ I shall be prepared for that point,” I answered. “ I 
have already determined what to do.” 

We shook hands and parted, but my pockets were heavj 
with the weight of gold I carried away. 

During the day I engaged passage on the Dragon, and 
was told to be on board at nine o’clock, sharp, for delay? 
were not submitted to. 

The next morning at eight I was landed on the steam- 
er’s deck, — an independent Southern gentleman, who 
had seen something of sea life, and wanted to see more 

On the quarter-deck I found a dozen or two serious- 
looking people — most of them dark and bilious, all ner- 
vous, all suspicious of each other. Those who came on 
board were glared at, and all who were glared at returned 
the glances with interest. 

I underwent the general scrutiny with perfect compo- 
sure ; and so well did I perform my part, that a lady, who 
was seated near a tall, white-headed man, who seemed to 
be in feeble health, — for he moved with great diflSculty, 
and only with the aid of a cane, — remarked loud enough 
for me to hear, — 

“ I know he ain’t a Yankee.” 

“ Now,” I thought, “ is the chance to make a ‘ten-strike.’ 
I shall never have a better opportunity.” 

In an instant I had turned towards the lady and hei 
white-headed, feeble companion, and, raising my hat, 
said, — 

“ No ; I thank God no Yankee blood runs in my 
veins! ” 

The old gentleman with the cane made a desperate at- 
tempt to gain his feet, while the lady sought to check him. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ I will, child I I will ! ” he said. “ Don’t attempt to 
restrain me. I must shake hands with a gentleman who 
boasts that he has no Yankee blood in his veins.” 

“ But consider the consequences, papa. Do be calm and 
quiet, at least until we are at sea. When we are once 
upon the blue water, you can open your mouth, and give 
vent to the indignation that stirs your heart. But now, 
within sight of Fort Lafayette, it is dangerous.” 

“ I have seen too many dangers, and faced too many, 
during the past two years, to tremble at the sight of a 
fort. A colonel in the confed — ” 

His daughter uttered a little shriek, threw her arms 
around the old gentleman’s neck, and placed a little hand 
on his lips. 

“ O, papa I would you ruin all with your Southern im- 
petuosity? ” 

I managed to smile, as I said, — 

“ Colonel, it is for me to ask the favor of shaking hands 
with you. It is an honor that I desire. Keep your seat, 
sir, for I notice that you are feeble.” 

The colonel had attempted to rise when I extended my 
hand, but I prevented him. 

At any rate, we shook hands in the presence of the pas- 
sengers — a scene that was regarded with much interest 
by them ; but not a word was uttered by those who were 
looking on. 

The colonel seemed pleased with my politeness and at- 
tention. He motioned to a seat by his side, and made me 
sit down ; while his daughter, a dark brunette, with splen- 
did eyes, full of fire and mischief, flashed a smile on me 
that was intended to thank me for my attention to her 
parent’s whims. She was a beautiful woman — a type of 
Southern loveliness ; just such a girl as would turn the 
heads of mankind. 

“ Allow me to introduce myself,” said the colonel, as I 


70 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


took a seat by his side, while a grim smile passed over hia 
face. “ My name is Alfa Rhett, Colonel of the Second 
Virginia Cavalry. We did good service at the battle of 
Bull Run. Some of my black-horse cavalry struck terror 
to the hearts of the Yankees on that day. Gods I how 
we cut them up ! To the right and left, on all sides, we 
charged on them. I won my eagles on that glorious day.” 

“You old scoundrel!” I thought, “I should like to 
pitch you overboard. You deserve hanging and drown- 
ing at the same time.” 

“This is my daughter,” the colonel said, pointing to 
the young lady who sat by his side ; “ Miss Magnolia 
Rhett, sir ; and although I have no desire to boast, yet I 
will say that we belong to the first families of Virginia. 
The name of Rhett is old, sir. There are several branches 
of the family in Virginia and South Carolina. I belong 
to the Gordonsville branch.” 

“ I suppose, colonel,” I said, “ that you would like, 
after your confidence, to learn a little of my history? ” 

“ If you please, sir.” 

The young lady smiled encouragingly, and seemed pre- 
pared to give her very best attention. 

“ I cannot boast of belonging to the first families of the 
South,” I said ; “ but all of my relatives are respectable, 
I believe, and most of them own a few niggers. I’m a 
South Carolinian, and belong in Charleston.” 

“ Give me your hand once more I ” cried the impetuous 
colonel. “ I honor the people of South Carolina. They 
were the first to see the danger in which we were falling, 
and they were the first to dissolve the Union. Glorious 
old South Carolina ! how I honor you I ” 

“ South Carolina be hanged 1 ” some one said. “ She’s 
all bluster and fuss, like a barking dog.” 

I turned and saw a pock-marked man, with a shaggy 
coat and rough wide-awake hat, standing near us. He 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


71 


had overheard our conversation, and was now ready to 
talre part in it. 

The traducer of South Carolina noticed our looks of sur- 
prise and indignation, but still did not seem in the least 
disconcerted. He returned our stare with interest, as he 
said, — 

“If it hadn’t bin for the whinin’, and kickin’, and 
grumblin’, and groanin’, of that same South Carolina, the 
Union would have bin all right at this blessed minit ; and 
all the brave fellers what has fallen, and is now under the 
turf, would now be alive, drinkin’ their reg’ltir drink of 
whiskey, and smokin’ their reg’lar smokes, like the rest 
of us.” 

“ Keep cool, my young friend,” said the colonel, when 
he saw that I was inclined to answer the pock-marked man, 
and defend the State that I had just claimed for my 
nativity. “ Let me answer him. Magnolia, you remain 
qiiiet.” 

It was well that he spoke to the young lady, for she 
manifested a Southern girl’s desire to make a quarrel out 
of the matter. Her lips were curled with the most per- 
fect contempt for the opinion and matter-of-fact words of 
the pock-marked individual. 

“ O ! let the gal talk,” said the stranger. “ I likes tc 
hear a handsome gal talk. They can’t make me mad, if 
they tries ever so hard. Young ladies like this one has 
fired the Southern heart all along, and done lots of mis- 
chief. Shucks I it would have been better if they had 
held their tongues, or else went in for the good old 
Union.” 

“ Stranger,” said the colonel, “ you are not a Southern 
man.” 

“Yes, I be. I’m a Kentucky man — from Louisville. 
Isaac Bowmount is my name.” 

‘ Adi I Kentuckv has not done much for our cause,” 


72 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


marmured the colonel’s daughter ; and I thought that her 
eyes flashed fire at the thought. 

“ She’s done a shucks sight more’n she ought to do,” 
growled Mr. Bowmount, whose truthfulness and frankness 
I began to like, although I knew that it would not do tc 
acknowledge it. 

“Stranger,” the colonel remarked, “you have never 
struck a blow for our independence. If you had, you’d 
hate the Yankees as bad as I do.” 

“ That don’t foller,” said the Kentuckian. “ I reckon 
I has seen some fightin’ ; I was at the battle of Bull Run, 
I was at Donelson, and half a dozen other places, where I 
commanded a regiment of as stout men as Old Kentuck 
could muster ; but, for all that, I can’t say that I like 
fightin’ the Yanks.” 

“ Fighting I ” repeated Miss Rhett, with scorn in her 
voice and eyes : “ they never yet stood firm enough to 
fight.” 

“ It strikes me that you is wrong, miss,” returned the 
Kentuckian. “ They held us a tough one at Bull Run, 
and they gave us shucks at Forts Henry and Donelson. 
By the Lord Harry ! but some of us didn’t lose time when 
the Yanks advanced on our works. We left in a hurry, 
we did, or them what could get away. Bah I don’t tell 
me that the Yanks won’t fight: ’cos I knows better,” 

The venerable colonel allowed his lips to carl with in- 
dignation, as he remarked, — 

“ Had you owned slaves, you would have i<jmained in 
the country, and fought until our independence was 
secured.” 

“ Shucks I didn’t I own ’em ? I had fifty of ’em when 
the war commenced, and now I haven't and I don’t 
want no more sich property.” 

“ Did they run away from you ? ” asked the colonel. 

“ Some of ’em did, and the rest I sold. Shucks ^ if I 
had kept ’em, they’d all gone.” 


RUNNING THE BLO KADjb:. 78 

“ And yet you feel no hatred towards the Yanks ? ” 
asked Miss Rhett, in a tone of reproach. 

“ No : the Yanks ain’t to blame. They don’t love 
slavery, and no more does I. The niggers don’t love it, 
BO they cuts and runs when they gets a chance. I don’t 
blame ’em : I’d do the same. It would have been money 
in my pocket if there hadn’t been a slave in Kentuck for 
the last ten years. What do you think of that, South 
Carolina ? ” 

Mr. Bowmount turned to me as he asked the question. 

“ South Carolina will fight for her institutions,” I re- 
plied, in a petulant tone. 

“ And so will old Virginia I ” cried the colonel and his 
daughter. 

“ Bah I ” retorted the Kentuckian, in a tone of con- 
tempt. “ I’m a Southern man. I was born South ; I had 
the small-pox South ; I made all my money South ; but I 
tell you, that we’d better have kept friends with the 
Yanks. Them is my sentiments ; and I don’t care who 
knows ’em.” 

The passengers had gradually edged their way towards 
us, so that they could hear what passed. 

The Kentuckian glanced around, and examined the 
company by which he was surrounded. He noted each 
face slowly and carefully, as though he wished to be cer- 
tain before he spoke. 

“ Gentlemen,” he said at length, “ I ’spose you is all 
Southern men ? ” 

No one answered. 

“ Come, don’t be af eared to speak. No one wiU harm 
ye. The Yanks will only be too happy to get us out of 
the country to interfere with us now. Come, which of 
yer hates the Yanks ? ” 

We all made a simultaneous movement that did not 
escape the sharp eyes of the Kentuckian. A grim smile 
passed over his homelv rough face. 


14 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

“ Ah 1 you all hate the Yanks, do you ? ” 

Another significant gesture on our part. 

“ Well, gentlemen,” said the Kentuckian, “ as you aD 
hate the Yankees, why don’t you remain in the Confed- 
eracy, and help fight her battles ? ” 

This was a stunning question to most of the party ; so 
some of them turned away and looked in another direc- 
tion, while others stammered an excuse that they could 
serve the Confederacy in a much more efficient manner 
than by shouldering a musket. 

“ O ! can you ? ” retorted the square-shouldered Ken- 
tuckian in a contemptuous tone ; and then he asked, “ Yet 
fou believe in the South ? ” 

“ Yes,” was the unanimous response. 

“Well, now, I’ve bin in seven battles, I have, and I 
never seed one of your faces where the fire was hot and 
the lead flew around like shucks. I’ve looked you all 
over, and I don’t remember you ; so it seems to me that 
your patriotism don’t amount to much. Eh, colonel ? ” 
The colonel brought his cane to the deck with an em- 
phatic whack, as though to confirm the assertion, while 
his dark-eyed daughter nianifested her contempt for the 
deserters around her, and then her eyes fell on me, with 
an imploring glance, as thougli she would have me ac- 
knowledge some little deed of daring. 

“ By George, I will ! ” I thought. “ I’ll invent some- 
imng to suit her.” 

“ I can't boast of military deeds,” I said, as soon as I had 
made up my mind what to say, “ but I’ve seen a little ser- 
vice on the water ; and, when Fort Sumter was battered, 
I was in command of a steamer, and did good work. Since 
then I have been employed on the Mississippi, seen 
much service, have been under fire a number of times, 
and am now bound to Nassau to wait for something tn 
turn up. My name is Barnwell.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 75 

Miss Rhett gave me a radiant glance, but just then all 
conversation was interrupted. 

“ All aboard ! ” shouted the captain of the steamer, and 
with the words the plank was drawn in, and we backed from 
the dock into the river, and were under way for Nassau. 



CHAPTER III. 

A MYSTERIOUS PASSENGER. — A BLUNT KENTUCKIAN. — 
A QUARREL AND RECONCILIATION ON THE PASSAGE. — 
OUR ARRIVAL AT NASSAU. 

No sooner was the head of our vessel pointed towards 
Sandy Hook, steaming along at the rate of ten knots an 
hour, the Cross of St. George flying overhead, English offi- 
cers on the quarter-deck strutting^ and fuming, and casting 
contemptuous glances at our gunboats, at the forts, arvl 
at everything that was sheltered by the American flag, tha 
the passengers began to recover their spirits, which the^ 
had appeared to lose while lying at the docks. Some weie 
even bold enough to walk the deck, and whistle “ M;) 
Maryland ; ” and others turned down the collars of theix 
coats, as if no longer ashamed to show their faces. 

All these signs the colonel and his handsome daughter 
noticed ; and I observed that once in a while they com 
municated together as though comparing opinions respect 
ing the company that promenaded before them. 

We were about five miles from Castle Garden, wnw* 
I noticed a Whitehall boat, containing a man in the stern 
sheets and one at the oars, shoot out from the land, anr* 
puU so as to head us off or cross our bows. The perso^ 
in the stern of the boat waved a white handkerchief, aa 
though to attract our attention ; and instantly the eyes of 


T6 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the passengers were centred on the craft, and numerous 
speculations were made regarding the wishes of the oc- 
cupants. 

The captain of the steamer levelled his glass at the boat, 
and made a long and careful examination of both men. 
Then he handed the glass to a passenger who had kept his 
face hidden by the collar of his coat, and who looked sus- 
piciously at every one on board, as though fearing treach- 
ery at the hands of all who were near him. 

This latter individual — a dark, hard-featured individ- 
ual, with restless eyes and nervous movements — had no 
sooner placed the glass to his eye than he said, speaking to 
the captain, — 

“ It is he.” 

At these mysterious words, the captain of the steamer 
stepped to the house over the engineer’s quarters, and 
touched a bell. In an instant the steam was shut off, and 
the wheels stopped, while the vessel slowly made its way 
through the water ; and thus, drifting with the. tide, the 
boat shot alongside, and up the ladder sprang the person 
who had sat in the stern sheets, and who had waVbd his 
handkerchief to attract attention. 

“ Push off, Bob,” the man said as soon as he touched 
the deck. “You had better wait till the tide turns, and 
then drift back to the city. Don’t attempt to land on the 
Jersey shore, for some one might attempt to pick you up. 
Detectives are more plentiful over there than fiddlers in a 
certain hot place in the other world. Good by till I see 
you again. Tell the folks that I’m all right.” 

The boatman nodded, and pushed off, pulling slowly 
towards the city ; while the person who had boarded us 
in so unceremonious a fashion commenced removing a wig 
from his head and a pair of grizzly whiskers from his face, 
revealing the countenance of a good-looking young man, 
determination dash, and generosity. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


77 


“ By St. George aud the dragon I he said, as he threw 
aside the things he had taken off, “ I have cheated the 
Yankees once more, thank fortune I ” 

The colonel and his daughter, as though delighted with 
the information, manifested some anxiety to see the man 
who had outwitted the Yankees. They leaned forward, 
and I am convinced that nothing but the lameness of the 
coloneT prevented him from starting up, and rushing for- 
ward to shake hands with the young fellow. 

“ Soul^,” said the man who had looked through the 
captain’s spyglass, walking towards the young fellow who 
had shed so much false hair, “ I am glad to see you. I 
feared that we should miss you.” 

They shook hands with much earnestness, and the man 
who was called Sould laughed as he replied, — 

“ I have been on the watch for you since sunrise. I 
knew when you started to a minute; for half a dozen 
boatmen telegraphed the fact by the aid of their oars. 1 
knew that I should hit you ; but I feared that some of the 
sneaking Yankee detectives would investigate a little 
before I left. Half a dozen of the curs were near me all 
night ; but I shouted strong for the Union, and threw 
them off the scent.” 

“You are always lucky ; and your boldness makes you 
so, I believe. But did you succeed ? ” 

“Yes: better far than I could have hoped for. But 
more of this at another time. Who have we on board ? ” 
The young fellow glanced over the passengers in a con- 
descending manner, until his eyes lighted on the hand- 
some face of Miss Rhett. Here he allowed them to remain 
for a moment or two, or until she had met his half-admir- 
ing, half-impertinent gaze with one of defiance, disdain, or 
maidenly modesty, I didn’t know which. At any rate, she 
appeared to have made an impression, and one that was 
rather favorable ; for young Soul^ whispered to his bilious 
6 


78 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


friend that she was a “ deucedly handsome girl, and that 
he must be; introduced to her.” 

Miss Rhett heard the compliment, and cast a trium 
phant glance towards her father ; but the old gentleman 
frowned at her for indulging in such petty triumphs and 
ranities ; and that look was enough to restore her to all 
the dignity of the first families of Virginia. She lowered 
her eyes, and whispered to me, that men were so very 
rude nowadays that there was no enduring them. 

Mr. Soul4 and the bilious-looking passenger together 
entered the cabin ; and then the rest of the people who 
were on the quarter-deck paired off, and talked in low 
tones of their private affairs, while Colonel Rhett and 
daughter, and Mr. Bowmount and myself, discussed the 
prospects of the Southern Confederacy until the pilot left 
the vessel. When that individual went over the side of 
the steamer, he was pleased to say that all she wanted 
was a secession flag to make her a bully confederate craft ; 
and with something like a curse, at least it sounded like 
one, he dropped into his little dingey, and pulled for his 
pilot boat. 

“ Come, Barnwell,” said Bowmount “ you and me 
won’t quarrel ’cos we b’long to different States. South 
Carolina is a mean State, and won’t compare with Old Ken- 
tuck ; but I don’t intend to boast ; so take a cigar, and 
let’s go forward and have a smoke. Don’t refuse ; ’cos 
I’m rather a good fellow after all, and have taken a likin’ 
to you.” 

“ If I could only join you, I should be pleased,” cried 
Colonel Rhett. “ But active service in the field has 
lamed and stiffened me ; so I will remain with my daugh- 
ter, in the hopes of soon being able to shake hands with 
that young Sould. I know that he has been doing some- 
thing to bother the Yankees, and I must find out what it 
is, so that I can rejoice with him.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Vf 


Bowmount and I walked towards the snioke-staok, 
where we could enjoy our cigars without fear of being 
disturbed. After we had taken a puff or two, the Ken- 
tuckian remarked, in his energetic manner, — 

“ Shucks ! what mean men Old Virginny does raise 
now ! don’t she ? They all belongs to the fust families. 
Hang me, if I ever seed one that belonged to the second 
class ; did you ? ” 

He didn’t wait for me to reply, but chewed away at the 
end of his cigar, as though he was masticating some of the 
pretensions of the Virginia people. 

“ They is all mighty fine for talk, and sich like,” mut- 
tered the Kentuckian ; “ but darned if they can hold a 
candle to our folks for real pluck.” 

“ South Carolina,” I said, in a tone that I thought might 
resemble one of the fire-eaters of the Palmetto State, “ is 
a State that will turn her back to — ” 

“ O, shucks ! ” interrupted the blunt Kentuckian ; 
“ South Carolina had her belly full of fight in the old 
Revolution. She was all full of sound and fury, like a 
bladder with peas in it. No offence to you, old feller, 
’cos I really like yer, yer seem so different from them ere 
fire-eatin’ chaps what talk fight, but don’t fight.” 

I made some little pretension to being indignant, as a 
true blustering son of South Carolina naturally would 
under the circumstances. I actually turned away, and 
said that I would hear no such insulting talk, and that, 
when we arrived at Nassau, he should hear from me ; but 
the Kentuckian didn’t seem to care for my anger, for he 
continued to smoke his cigar, chewing the end like a cud, 
until I turned to leave him, when he laid one of his heavy, 
rather dirty hands on my arm, and said, — 

“ Don’t be a fool, Barnwell. You know you has more 
sense than most of the low chaps of your State ; so let’s 
talk, and make use of each other.” 


80 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


He offered his hand, and after some little hesitatioi., 
I accepted it. 

“ That’s hearty. Now to business. What do you 
mean to do after you lands at Nassau ? ” 

“ That will depend on circumstances,” was my cautious 
answer. 

“ Just so. I ’spose you wants to make a few dollars, if 
you can do it in a neat manner.” 

“ The temptation would be strong,” 1 replied. “ But 
I don’t know as the confederate naval department would 
let me do what I wish to.” 

“ O, blast the naval department I It’s only a name. 
Where’s its ships ? where’s its sailors ? O, shucks I don’t 
talk, or I shall laugh at you, even if you has served on an 
iron-clad, and helped drive some fifty or sixty half-smoth- 
ered men out of Fort Sumter. Come, you’ll allow that 
was mean, won’t you ? ” 

“ No, sir ; I won’t. The hated flag — ” 

“ O, shucks I don’t talk sich gammon to me. That will 
do for the poor whites of the South ; them dirty chaps 
what don’t know how to read, write, or talk in a civil- 
ized manner. But it won’t do for me. The flag was well 
enough afore we struck it down, and we is all going with 
it ; more fools we. But, shucks I it’s no use to talk ; so 
let’s drop the subject, and see if we can’t put our heads 
together and make a few dimes while the fools is fightin’.” 

“ Yes ; go on. How can we do it ? ” 

“WeU, there’s only one way. We might go into the 
blockade-running.” 

“ I’ve thought of that,” I said, in a meaning tone. 

“ Then so much the better ; ’cos now is the time to 
think of it in earnest. Money is there. Shucks I don’t I 
know it ? ” 

At this instant I happened to look up, and saw Miss 
Rhett standing on the other side of the funnel, with her 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


81 


back towards us ; but how she had gained such a |K)sition 
without being noticed, was more than I could tell. There 
she stood ; but I could not even guess how long she had 
been there, or^why she had left her father’s side, to take 
up such an uncomfortable position as the one she had 
taken near the hot smoke-stack, and near to the strong- 
smelling machinery, a snuff of which is enough to make a 
woman sick, even if she is strong in the region of the 
stomach. Had she overheard our conversation ? That 
was a question that I could not answer ; for her back was 
towards us, and I was not aware how loud wo had con- 
versed. 

I made a sign to the Kentuckian, and pointed to the 
girl. 

“ Shucks I ” he said, in an indifferent tone, “ what do I 
care for her ? She may hear all my plans if she wants to. 
She can’t do us any harm, ’cos where we is goin’ is as 
much a confederate port as Charleston. I know it. She’s 
a Southern gal, and knows what’s good for the old first 
families of Virginia ; don’t you. Miss Rhett? ” 

It was a little singular that she could not hear the Ken- 
tuckian, although he spoke in rather loud tones ; and we 
were compelled to pass round the smoke-stack to attract 
her attention. 

We found she was humming, in a low tone, “ My Mary- 
land,” with her eyes fixed upon the land that now began to 
grow dim and fog-like ; and were forced even to touch her 
arm to recall her wandering senses. But when she saw 
us standing near, she started, and covered her face with 
her hands, as though she did not desire that we should 
notice her emotion. 

We waited until she looked up, although Bowmount 
said, — 

“ Shucks, miss I what’s the use of cryin’ when you is 
leavin’ a land of sich everlastin’ tyranny ? Recollect, you 


82 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


can’t see none but hateful shores here, and thein, you say, 
ain’t worth a tear.” 

“ I know,” the young lady responded, dashing away the 
marks of tears ; “ but then it is my native land, after all.” 

“ But it ain’t Old Virginny, is it ? ” demanded the Ken- 
tuckian. 

“ No,” with a deep sigh, and fresh evidence of tears. 

“ A State what used to produce more office-seekers to the 
acre than any other State in the Union. O, shucks ! what 
patriots them fellers would be when they flocked in the 
hotels of Washington. There wasn’t one of ’em but was 
willin’ to lay down his blessed life for the good of his 
country, and a fat office ; and then they was so disinter- 
ested ! They was alters willin’ to flght all men from other 
States what wanted a office ; and I really believe that 
Old Virginny, in her best days, could have furnished the 
men for all the offices in the Union.” 

“ You really must not abuse my State in the manner chat 
you do,” Miss Rhett murmured. “ I will not listen to it. 
It hurts my feelings, and it hurts the feelings of pa ; and 
now that he is so used up with hardships, he can’t endure 
much joking.” 

“ Theu we won’t rub him hard,” responded the Ken- 
tuckian. “ We’ll praise Bull Run and Virginny, and we’ll 
bring him round.” 

Miss Rhett said that the Kentuckian was a wicked man, 
and that he was full of his fun. 

“ But we want to ax your opinion on a p’int that is in- 
teresting,” the Kentuckian said. “ Now, my friend and 
me has been talkin’ over some matters of business, and he 
was afraid that you would overhear him. I said I didn’t 
care if you did, and that I would ax your opinion or the 
p’int. Now, it’s this. We can make money by rut^nin’ 
the blockade. Wouldn’t you do it ? ” 

For one or two seconds the girl’s eyes wandered over 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


83 


our faces, as though to read their expression ; and I 
tliought she seemed a little startled by the suddenness of 
the question. 

“ Wh}^ do you ask me ? ’’ she demanded, with a flushed 
cheek, and eyes that sought the deck, as I thought, in 
maiden simplicity and timidity. 

“ Because I wanted to show this South Carolina chap 
that I ain’t afeared to tell everybody on board the ship 
that I mean to make money by runnin’ the blockade. 
Now, wouldn’t you do it?” 

“But suppose you should get caught? Then you 
would lose all ; and the Yankees would rejoice, confound 
them.” 

“ Yes r the loss would be heavy, but the profits big if 
successful,” responded the Kentuckian. 

“ Then I’d run the risk, and cheat the Yankees,” ex- 
claimed the girl, with a laugh, clapping her hands as 
though it was a good joke. 

“We are all justifiable in cheating them. I have done 
so many times, and I hope to many timej more.’" 

We turned, and saw that Colonel Rhett had approached 
during the discussion, leaning on the arm of young Soul^, 
the man who had come on board but an hour or two 
before. 

“ Miss Rhett,” said the colonel, with a wave of the 
hand in the Virginia style of politeness, “ this is Vincent 
Sould, of New Orleans. He hates the Yankees, and has 
done them some injury, and hopes to do more.!’ 

“ Unless they should sue for peace, and ask our pardon 
for past ofi'ences. In that case, we will agree to forgive 
them, and only kick them when they come in our way.” 

“He’s a true Southerner,” cried the colonel, rubbing 
his hands, and emphasizing his remarks with a rap of his 
cane. “ None.but a high-toned Southern gentlemen would 
utter such words.” 


u RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

“High-toned fiddlesticks!” snorted the Kentuckian. 

You ail talk as though the Yanks was a parcel of nig- 
gers, and would hold still while you slapped their chops 
and kicked ’em. Shucks ! none but darned fools would 
talk that way. Now, you just let me have my say,” — for 
}'oung Soul^ was about to interrupt him with an angry 
exclamation, — “ and then you may talk as much as you 
please. Now, I’ve fit the Yankees, and I’ve drunk with 
’em, and I’ve seen ’em under all circumstances ; and I tell 
you that they is just as brave as we is, and can fight and 
kick just as well. You hit one of ’em, and he’ll hit you 
back. You kick one of ’em, and he’ll kick too, and just 
as hard as you kick. They ain’t all the time pickin’ up 
quarrels, like some of our folks ; but they won’t stand 
much nonsense, now I tell you ; so the man what says he 
would go through the world booting Yanks, don’t know 
what he’s talkin’ about.” 

Young Soul4 commenced to grow indignant ; for he did 
not expect such words from a Kentuckian. 

“ Sir,” cried the young fellow, in a swelling tone, “ you 
have insulted a son of Louisiana, and you must answer 
for it.” 

“ O, shucks I go away with your boyish nonsense. I’m 
a Kentuckian, and speaks my mind just as I find it. There 
ain’t no bounce about me, if there is about you. I’ve 
allers fit the Yankees in a fair, stand-up manner ; but I 
never fit ’em by spyin’ about their cities.” 

The young fellow seemed to be almost beside himself 
with rage, and once I saw him place his hand in his 
breast as though feeling for the handle of a knife ; but at 
this instant the dark, bilious man, Mr. Newman Fudge, 
of Tennessee, a confederate agent, laid his hand on Soule’s 
shoulder, and spoke to him. 

“ No quarrelling,” the agent said. “ The South has 
none too many such men as you two. Come ; stop this 
misunderstanding, or I wiU report you both.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


8h 

‘‘ Report eh, will you ! ’’ replied the blunt Kentuckian. 
“ If a man makes a fool of himself, I shall tell him so ; and 
if he don’t like it, he must do the next best thing. All 
men what respects himself will have some respect for his 
enemies ; and although I has fit the Yanks, yet I don’t 
think they is what some of our folks call ’em. In fact, I 
rather likes ’em, ’cos they is smart.” 

“ Then you should have staid with ’em,” retorted 
Miss Rhett, with a curl of her thin lips, and a flash of her 
black eyes. 

“ Thank you, Miss Rhett ; but I think I can make more 
money by running the blockade. Besides, I don’t believe 
the Yanks would let me rest in their cities, as I’m fresh 
from the battle-fields where I has fit their brothers and 
relations. You needn’t scorn me, miss, ’cos I’m a man, 
and can’t take any notice of it from you; but I can look 
around and see if you has any relatives, and take satisfac- 
tion out of them.” 

This hint seemed to have some effect on the young lady, 
for she recollected that she was endangering her father ; 
and I think that the colonel noted the fact also, for he 
took his child’s arm, and hobbled aft, as though to get out 
of the way of trouble. 

“Come, Bowmount,” said the confederate agent, “ you 
and Soul^ must shake hands. If I did not know you both, 
I would not interfere. But Bowmount has fought well, 
and served out his time at the head of his regiment. 
Sould has had battles, but they have not been in the field ; 
he has performed just as good service, however, as though 
he had been under fire for the last two years. Come ; 
forget, and shake hands.” 

“ O, yes ! ” said the Kentuckian, “ I will.” And the 
two men shook hands ; but as Bowmount handed me a 
cigar, and walked with me forwards, he whispered, — 

“ That Soul^ is a confounded confederate spy, and has a 


86 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


whole carpet-bag of information about the Yanks, which 
he is going to send to Richmond by a blockade-runner. I 
know it.’’ 

These words set me thinking; and I determined to 
obtain possession of that carpet-bag before the voyage 
ended. 

The night before we dropped anchor at Nassau, I ob- 
served that Miss Rhett was particularly confidential with 
Mr. Soul^. She flirted with him, laughed, and listened 
to his stories, flashed her eyes at him, sat by his side, and 
would not let him leave her even for a moment. 

And the colonel, the venerable gray-heacled colonel, who 
belonged to one of the first families of Virginia, smiled at 
the happiness of his daughter, and seemed pleased to think 
she was enjoying herself. 

I think that it was about ten o’clock at night when the 
colonel, whose infirmities seemed to decrease quite rapidly, 
left the party of men with whom he was conversing, and 
approached his daughter and Soul4. 

“ I am going below a few moments,” he said. “ I have a 
little writing to do. Will you come with me, or remain ? ” 

“ O ! don’t take her away,” cried Soul<^. “ The night 
is so pleasant that no harm can come to her while remain- 
ing on deck.” 

It did seem that a significant glance passed between the 
father and daughter, but I might have been mistaken. It 
was probably a look of parental anxiety. 

“Well, take good care of her, Mr. Soule,” said the 
fond parent. “ I will join you in a short time.” 

Colonel Rhett, with more lameness than he had mani- 
fested for some time, entered the cabin, and, I supposed, 
retired to his state-room, for I saw the light from his lamp 
shine through the dead-light that was let into the deck. 

I walked towards the smoke-stack, and thought ovei 
something that had been on my mind for several days. It 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


81 


waa a question how I should secure the carpex-bag that 
S011I6 had brought on board, and which Bowmount had 
hinted contained valuable secrets, collected for the rebels 
under circumstances of considerable peril to the com- 
piler. 

I had not seen the carpet-bag since Sould had brought 
it on board. Where he concealed it, I did not know ; but 
I thought that the government would esteem it a duty on 
ray part to make a strike for the bag, and destroy its con- 
tents, or else preserve some of the papers for future ref- 
erence. 

I glanced along the quarter-deck, and thought that now 
was my chance if ever. Soule was engaged with Miss 
Rhett, the rest of the passengers were either laughing or 
whispering, or else relating the stories of their wrongs at 
the hands of the Federals, who were painted as monsters 
of cruelty, vulgarity, and ignorance. These were tlie 
men who considered themselves better than Northern 
mudsills ; while they indulged in language and debauchery 
such as none but the most degraded would countenance. 
They would drink whiskey and chew tobacco from tlie 
time they arose until they went to bed, and seemed to 
think that such conduct exhibited a noble spirit of South- 
ern independence. I need not say that it disgusted rae ; 
yet I had to avoid showing it, and sometimes drink when 
it was nauseating to do so. It did not seem to me that my 
fellow-passengers could represent true Southern gentlemen, 
and I afterwards discovered that they did not. 

Bowmount was lying on a settee amidships, smoking a 
cigar, and dreaming of the profits which he would make 
in running the blockade, while the cabin servants were all 
yarning it forward, confident that their services would not 
be needed for some time to come. 

“ Now or never,” I thought ; and, after a hasty glance 
aU over the deck, entered the cabin. 


88 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


All was quiet. The cabin lamp that hung over the 
dinner-table burned low and dim, for it had been turned 
down when the servants finished their work. No one was 
to be seen. None of the state-rooms were occupied, and 
the only one that was lighted was Colonel Rhett’s. 

For a moment I stopped and looked around so to be 
certain that I was not observed ; then I crossed the cabin 
without noise, and laid my hand on the knob of Soule’s 
state-room door. 

I pushed hard and firmly, but the door was locked, as I 
half expected it would be ; so I quietly returned to a sofa 
at the head of the dining-table, and laid down to think of 
the matter. 

Just as I had stretched out, the door of Colonel Rhett’s 
state-room opened, and the colonel’s venerable head ap- 
peared, and then the colonel's sharp eyes were cast about in 
all directions with such rapidity that it seemed as though he 
must take in everything at a glance ; but he did not, for I 
was partly concealed by the table, and the light did not 
reveal where I was lying. 

I was about to speak ; but the colonel’s movements and 
looks V ere so suspicious, that I remained quiet, and 
watched him. 

For a moment the colonel stood still, and listened. 
Then he stole to the door of the cabin, making no sound 
of footsteps, from which I gathered that he was in his 
stocking-feet. 

“ What in the deuce is he after ? ” I asked myself. 

Then the colonel showed what he was after ; for ho 
glided to the door of Soule’s state-room ; and, while he 
was crossing the cabin, I noticed that the limping, slow- 
moving invalid had given place to an active-motioned 
man, without a limp, or the least sign of age. 

“ This becomes interesting,” I thought. “ I will keep 
quiet till I see what is up.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


89 


As soon as the colonel reached the door, he did not 
waste time in trying if it was locked. He appeared to be 
aware that it was, and I supposed that he had tested it 
when first entering the cabin. At any rate, he appeared 
to take a piece of wire from his pocket, inserted it in the 
keyhole, worked it about for a moment or two, and then I 
lieard the bolt of the lock slip, and the door was thrown 
open. 

Once more the colonel stopped and listened. No one 
was coming. 

His keen eyes glistened as he waited ; but, finding that 
the coast was clear, he entered the state-room, leaving the 
door open. 

“ He is on the same errand as myself,” I thought. “ But 
he must not get the start of me.” 

I pulled off my boots, and placed myself near the door, 
waiting till he once more entered the cabin. 

I do not know how long I had to wait. It might have 
been five minutes, and it might have been ten. Time 
passes quickly under such circumstances. I only know 
that I could hear the colonel fumbling in the berth, and 
under it, for the carpet-bag, and that at last he found it ; 
and then the noise of a sharp knife, as it cut the bag, was 
heard, a rustling of papers, and I knew that the colonel 
had possession of the documents which I so much desired. 

When assured of this fact, I returned to the sofa, and 
once more laid down out of sight; but with my eyes 
open, and senses on the watch. 

In a moment or two the colonel stole out of the room, 
glanced around the cabin to see if any one was watching 
his motions, then locked the state-room door, and was 
gliding towards his own quarters, when I arose from my re- 
clining position. 

“ Ahem,” I said. 

The colonel started as though he had been struck by 


90 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

the knife of an assassin. He quickly turned to see who 
was watching his motions, and his eyes looked fiendish 
when they rested on me. 

” Ah, colonel ! ” I said, still looking at him in a calm, 
steady manner ; “ I thought you were in bed. I did not 
expect to find you wandering about like a distressed 
spirit.” 

“ No,” stammered the scion of one of the first families 
of Virginia ; “ I haven’t retired just yet. In fact, I don’t 
feel sleepy.” 

“01 you don’t ? Then that is the reason you wandered 
into Mr. Sould’s state-room by the aid of a skeleton key.” 

He looked as though about to commence blustering; 
but, as I did not quail beneath his dark, vicious eyes, 
thought better of it. 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ Just what I have said. I was lying on this sofa, and 
saw all your movements ; and now I have but to raise an 
alarm, and you stand before the passengers as a thief and 
a burglar — a fit subject for a pair of irons, and a berth in 
the run of the ship.” 

•The colonel looked particularly vicious as he took a step 
towards me, with his right hand raised as though to strike ; 
but, finding that I did not retreat or move, he said, — 

“You are a brave fellow. Come ; let us be friends.” 

He extended his hand ; but I assumed a perfect South- 
Car olina look as I drew back. 

“No, sir. I do not shake hands with thieves and 
burglars.” 

“ By Heaven ! ” he cried, “you shall repent this. If I 
live to set foot on shore. I’ll have satisfaction.” 

“ Dog I ” I said, with an effort at virtuous indignation 
that was quite creditable, “ do you dare to threaten me ? 
I have a great mind to give you up, miserable impostor 
that you are.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 9l 

This appeared to touch him, for he assumed a humble 
look as he asked, — 

“ What can I do to make you my friend ? ” 

“ Your friend I Don’t insult me. I have no such 
friends as you are. My friends are all gentlemen, and 
would scorn to steal into a state-room.” 

He rather winced at this, and I intended that it should 
cut deep ; for only by such a course could I accomplish the 
end I had in view. 

“ What terms can I make with you ? ” asked he, “ so 
that you will pledge me your word not to mention what 
you know and have seen ? ” 

“ Give me the papers that you hold in your hand.” 

He hesitated for a moment, and was about to re- 
monstrate. 

At this instant we heard some one entering the cabin ; 
so I motioned the colonel to a seat, and told him not to 
move until I ordered him to. 

It was not my purpose to let any one know that Colonel 
Rhett had entered Mr. Sould’s state-room, and stolen valu- 
able papers — so valuable, in fact, that I wanted them for 
my own use, thereby confusing the rebel government 
a little, and confounding some of its emissaries. I had a 
game of bluff to play, and held a good hand to back up 
my bets ; but, to win, it was necessary that I should have 
no one looking over my shoulder, or interfering with the 
cards. 

All these things passed through my mind the instant I 
heard a person entering the cabin. It would not answer 
for us to be seen near Soule’s door, so I pointed to the 
sofa, and whispered the colonel to take a seat. 

To my surprise as well as pleasure, the colonel obeyed 
me with the utmost alacrity, and without a word. 

We had but just taken our seats when the lank, bilious 
rebel agent entered the cabin. I hastily began a con- 


92 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


versation with the colonel on the first subject that entered 
my mind, and we appeared as though very deeply inter- 
ested in it. 

“ Holloa I ” said the agent ; “ what do you remain here 
for when the night is so pleasant on deck ? ” 

“ Because we have been so much interested in conversa- 
tion that we had forgotten how pleasant it is up there,” 
I answered ; and the colonel, taking the hint, rambled on 
respecting some of the battles he had been engaged in, and 
the large number of Yankees he had slaughtered during 
certain charges of his cavalry at Bull Run and Ball’s Bluff. 

“Well,” said the rebel commissioner, after he had 
listened for a moment, “ I’ll leave you to talk, while T 
light a cigar, and go on deck. I’ve hoard of those battles 
before.” 

I think he had heard the colonel relate the exploits 
which he had performed in those battles until he was a 
little tired of the subject. Man is such an envious mortal, 
that he does not like to listen to personal exploits unless 
the narrator is as modest as he is brave. The colonel was 
not a modest man, by any means ; but, according to his 
own accounts, he was as brave as any officer in the con- 
federate service. 

I’he bilious-looking agent lighted his cigar, and went 
on deck ; and glad enough I was to get rid of him, for I 
was desirous of paying my respects to the colonel. As 
soon, therefore, as the agent had left the cabin, I turned 
to him, and said, — 

“ You see that I have spared you ; I have thus far 
refrained from exposing you ; but pity for your daughter 
has prevented me. Now, will you do what is right? ” 

“I am sure my daughter has a great regard for you,” 
replied he with a quick look at my face, as though to judge 
what effect such an announcement would have. 

“I am glad to hear it,” I replied, with some show of 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

pleasure — just enough to make him think that I was 
flattered. 

“ Yes ; she noticed you the first day that you came on 
board, when I shook hands with you for denouncing the 
Yankees.” 

During aU the time that we were on the sofa, I had 
closely watched the movements of the colonel, although 
he had not been aware of the fact. The corner of one 
eye had been on him ; and I had seen some of his motions, 
sly and cautious as they were. 

I remained quiet until satisfied that he had gone too far 
to recede, when I said, — 

“ Colonel, we will resume our conversation, if you please 
You have entered a passenger’s state-room, and stolen 
papers. I shall expose you within ten minutes unless you 
return them to the carpet-bag.” 

“ You apply a harsh term to a little joke of mine.” 

“You will find it no joke, I assure you. Will you 
decide what you do? Come ; time is getting short.” 

“You are a funny man,” said the colonel, with a horri- 
ble attempt at a smile. “ I suppose that I must compl}^ 
with your request. I will go at once.” 

As he moved towards the state-room, a bright thought 
entered my head, and I commanded him to stop. 

“ If you return the papers to the bag,” I said, “ and 
then leave the latter in the state-room, Soul^ will knorp 
that some one has meddled with his private affairs.” 

“ That is so,” the colonel answered. “ What had I best 
do?” 

“ Put the papers in the bag, and drop it out of the 
cabin window. AU evidence of fraud will then be de* 
stroyed.” 

“ By George I that is an idea,” cried the colonel, hw 
face expressing great signs of relief. “ No one wiU ever 
suspect us if we resort to such a dodge.” 

7 


94 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“Ko one will suspect you^ I suppose you mean,” I said, 
with the air of a fire-eater. “Recollect, sir, I have not 
dishonored the Palmetto State by stealing private papers.” 

This made him wince a little, and I thought I heard 
him utter a damn on the fate of the State which I repre- 
sented. 

“ Yes, of course,” he said. “ It’s all right. I meant that 
I alone was to blame. I will never do so again, if you 
will not expose me this time.” 

“Well, well: drop the bag overboard; and for your 
daughter’s sake, I will pledge my word not to utter a 
syllable regarding this matter. Be quiet about it.” 

He made a desperate effort to take my hand; but I 
refused him with such a haughty glance of disdain, that 
he appeared to wilt under it ; and, without another word, 
went into the state-room. 

No sooner had he disappeared than I returned to the 
sofa, inserted my hand under the cushion, and pulled out 
a package of papers which I had seen the colonel place 
there when he thought I was not noting his movements. 

Thrusting the papers in my bosom, and thinking how 
surprised the colonel would be when he found them gone, 
I returned to the state-room door just as the Virginian was 
coming out with the carpet-bag. 

“ I have it,” he said. 

“ So I see,” I replied. “ Now overboard with it.” 

He did not wait for a second bidding ; but, stepping to 
the open cabin window, threw it out, and, as it struck 
the water, gave a chuckle that seemed strange to me. 

“ Were the papers in it ? ” I asked, in a whisper. 

“Yes;” with a face that looked quite composed and 
truthful. 

“Not one left? ” 

“ Not one.” 

“ Upon your word and honor ? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


95 


“ Upon my word and honor.” 

“ What a precious liar you are I ” I thought. “ I won- 
der if all the first families of Virginia are as bad.” 

“ Now, we will keep this thing a secret ? ” whispered 
the colonel. “ That is understood, I believe.” 

“Yes. But tell me one thing. Why did you rob 
Sould?” 

“ Of course you want fo know the truth ? ” he began. 

“ Certainly.” 

“Well, sir, I belong to one of the first families of 
Virginia — ” 

“ So I have heard you say before,” I interrupted. “ Do 
all take articles that don’t belong to them ? ” 

The colonel winced again; but in a moment he was 
composed, and replied, ^ — 

“ I have all a parent’s feelings, sir ; and, when I saw 
Soul6 was so marked in his attention to my daughter, I 
determined to learn more about him than he was willing 
to admit. For that reason I entered his state-room; on 
account of my affection for my child, I took the papers, 
intending to return them after I had learned something in 
regard to his prospects.” 

I bowed with mock gravity. 

“How do I know,” he continued, “but that he is a 
base Yankee spy, or a traitor to our Southern Confederacy ? ” 

“To be sure,” I replied. “ Those who talk the loudest 
are not always the most zealous patriots.” 

I thought that the Virginia colonel seemed a little cut 
at this remark ; for he added, in a hasty tone, — 

“ I hope that you don’t suspect me of not being a true 
friend of the South. I’ve given my blood for the cause,, 
and would give my life rather than see it dishonored.” 

“ Those are proper sentiments, sir,” I replied, “and I 
respect you for them. But we’ve no time to talk further 
on this subject. We must return on deck in order to 


96 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


avoid suspicion. Keep your secret, and I will retain it with 
you. I am doing wrong ; but, for your daughter’s sake, 
I’d do much more.” 

Do you really love her ? ” asked tlie colonel, in an anx- 
ious tone, as though sympathizing with me. 

“No matter what my feelings are, sir,” I answered, 
crustily. “ I respect the lady ; and I wish I could say as 
much for the father.” 

With these words I left the cabin, and went on deck, 
followed by the colonel, whose lameness and feebleness 
increased in a surprising degree as he prepared to join his 
daughter, who was still enchanting Sould by the witchery 
of her eyes and smiles. 

I found Bowmount smoking, and mentally speculating 
on the prospects of running the blockade with a load of 
useful articles ; so I lighted a cigar, and took a seat by his 
side ; but not a word did I utter respecting the events of 
the evening ; and when I was ready to seek my berth, I 
looked over the papers which had been taken from Soule’s 
carpet bag, and found them of the utmost importance. 

They contained information respecting the number of 
soldiers in the field ; the men to be raised without de- 
lay ; the naval ships that were building and fitting out ; 
ft long list of names of parties who were to be relied on as 
ready to assist the South with sympathy, money, or by 
engaging in blockade running. I saw some prominent 
men on that list ; but it will not do to mention them, as 
they are, at the present time, all good patriots, and, accord- 
ing to their own assertion, have been so from the first. 

Among the papers I found letters addressed to Jeff 
Davis, to General Lee, and others ; and all told the same 
lying story of admiration for the South, and contempt and 
detestation for the North. 

I almost sickened at the baseness that was exhibited ; 
but nevertheless folded the papers, and put them in a 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 97 

secure place where no one would have thought of k ing, 
and then turned in, and went to sleep. 

The next morning at the breakfast-table, tho burly 
Englishman who commanded the steamer, after tapping 
on his plate, said, — 

“ Gentlemen, somethin’ serious ’as ’appened un board 
the steamer.” 

All the passengers dropped their knives and forks, and 
looked as though prepared to rush on deck at a moment’s 
notice. 

“ Lor’, captain,” cried Miss Rhett, with a pretty little 
giggle ; “ I hope the vessel is not on fire.” 

“ No, ma’am ; there’s no fire except whal you ’ave 
kindled in the ’earts of the passengers ; ” and the red- 
faced captain put his hand upon his breast, and grinned 
like a sea lion with the toothache. 

Miss Rhett giggled more than ever; and then, as a 
matter of course, finding all eyes were directed towards 
her, blushed scarlet, and looked a little uncomfortable. 

I suspected what was coming, so braced myself for the 
shock, and assumed as innocent and independent an air as 
an impudent man could put on. 

“ Gentlemen,” said the beef-eating captain, when the 
titter had subsided, ‘‘ one of the state-rooms was entered 
yesterday, and a lot of papers stolen from it.” 

“ Valuable papers ? ” asked Colonel Rhett, with an air 
of much concern. 

“ They was waluable, sir,” responded the captain, in an 
emphatic tone. “ So waluable, in fact, that I don’t think 
the gent what lost ’em would have sold ’em for any money.” 

“ Who lost them ? ” was the general cry from those at 
the table. 

“ Gentlemen,” said the captain, after a moment’s thought, 
“ I’ll let the person what lost the prope^rty speak for 
himself.” 

4 - . 


98 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


1 knew what was coming, but assumed an air of deep 
concern, as Soul4, with sullen looks, said, — 

“Some one has entered my state-room, and stolen a 
carpet bag containing valuable papers. If any one did it 
as a joke, it has gone far enough ; if with criminal inten- 
tions, I can assure the thief that the papers are worth more 
to me than to any other person.” 

“ If there are thieves on board, it is time that we knew 
something of it,” remarked Colonel E-hett, banging his 
fist down on the table, and looking around on his fellow- 
passengers with an angry scowl. 

“ Now, papa, do be quiet,” pleaded the daughter. “ You 
must not get so excited on the subj(ict.” 

If I had not seen the colonel enter and leave the state 
room, and if I had not taken charge of the papers which 
he secreted under the sofa cushion, I should have been 
deceived by the manner in which he attempted to throw 
suspicion from his own shoulders. His face wore such a 
virtuous look, that I knew no one would question his 
honesty. 

“You have lost papers,” Bowmount said, during a 
pause, after Sould’s explanation. “ Now, if any one took 
’em for a joke, theyTl say so, and so end the matter. But, 
as no one says so, we must conclude that they have been 
stolen. Shucks! what must we do? Just this: Let 
some one search our state-rooms, and see if he can find 
the carpet bag and papers. Here is the key to mine.” 

We all followed his example, and threw our keys upon 
the table. 

“ Who’ll do the searching? ” some one asked. 

No one answered. The colonel, in a modest manner, as 
became one of the first families of Virginia, looked on his 
plate^^hen whispered to his daughter. 

“ O, no, papa. Let some one younger than you under- 
take so painful a task. Do not think of it.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


99 


Of course, after sucli an expression, all hands declared 
hat the colonel was just the person to undertake the 
mission ; and I must confess that I joined in the general 
cry with much satisfaction, while at the same time I 
thought the Virginian the most arrant hypocrite I had 
ever seen, and I longed to tell him so ; but, recollecting 
that I was also acting a part, and a very deceptive one, I 
concluded to restrain my virtuous indignation until I could 
appear in a new light. 

So, in a few words, it was settled that the old colonel 
should overhaul the passengers’ baggage, and report as 
soon as possible. 

“ He’s to do it, is he ? ” asked Bowmount, as we moved 
from the table. 

“Yes; all hands seem to decide for him.” 

“ Well, then I’ll just move some bills of exchange from 
my trunk, and put ’em in a safe place. Come and see me 
do it. Shucks ! there shan’t be no cheating ; only I don’t 
want strangers overhauling my money matters.” 

The Kentuckian uttered these words in a low tone, 
but the Virginian heard him, and would have made an 
angry rejoinder if I had not checked him with a look ; for 
it was not for my interest to provoke a discussion at that 
time. I feared the colonel in his rage would involve me 
in a row, and that was just what I did not desire. As 
long as I remained quiet, and did not wound the preju- 
dices of my fellow-passengers, I was called a clever fellow, 
and all that ; but I knew that it would not endure if I was 
conspicuous. 

We lighted our cigars, and went on deck, while the 
colonel commenced his agreeable task of overhauling the 
passengers’ luggage — looking into their boots, handling 
their soiled linen, and doing other things which were of a 
light and agreeable nature to a m'an who was disposed to 
exercise a general supervision ov^r the affairs of others. 


100 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


But, long before the colonel had concluded his investiga- 
tion, there was a cry of “ Land, ho ! ” and the island of 
New Providence was in sight — low, flat, but still inviting 
to those who had experienced the horrors of sea-sickness. 

Our passengers were enthusiastic as we approached the 
town, passing several long, low, fast-looking steamers, on 
our way to the inner anchorage ; all from England, all 
painted lead color, and all waiting for dark nights so that 
the blockade could be run, or attempted with less risk of 
detection than on moonlight evenings. 

Floating from the peak of each steamer was the con- 
federate flag, and from the fore, the English flag ; the 
latter in compliment to British neutrality. As we slowly 
steamed past the vessels, our passengers cheered in a lusty 
manner, and pretty Miss Rhett clapped her hands, and 
declared that it was the prettiest sight she had ever seen ; 
while her father, the gray-headed old colonel, who be- 
longed to one of the first-family tribe, took off his hat, 
and waved it in such a hearty manner, that I suspected 
he must have money invested in the blockade-running 
business, and was afraid he should lose a portion of it 
unless he was enthusiastic. 

At last the captain touched a bell, the wheels were 
stopped, the anchor dropped, and into the shore-boats we 
tumbled, and landed at Nassau. 

“ Come,” growled the Kentuckian, after we had ac- 
knowledged a cheer for the Southern Confederacy, ‘‘ let’s 
go to the Royal Humbug Hotel, and see what kind of 
quarters we can obtain.” 

And off we started for the best hotel in town, followed 
by a crowd of dirty little boys, each anxious to show the 
way, and earn a piece of silver. 

It was not difficult to find the Royal Humbug Hotel. 
A dozen people, after learning that we were not Federals, 
that we belonged south of Mason and Dixon’s line, were 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


101 


glad enough to point out the spot where the house was 
located, and, in course of half an hour after we landed, 
we were registering our names on the books of the hotel ; 
while, at the same time, we were surrounded by a dozen 
or more young men, all eager for news, and laying claim 
to the most rabid secession principles, as though there 
were some doubts as to their patriotism. 

Finally the gong sounded for dinner, and there was a 
rhsh from all parts of the building equalling anything that 
I had ever seen in a New York hotel. Bowmount thrust 
his arm through mine, and in we went to dine, where I 
noted the confeds as they flocked in to the table. There 
were about fifty of them, male and female; and, while 
the former were inclined to be a little reserved, surround- 
ing themselves with a haughty exclusiveness, the latter, 
although equally proud, were as chatty as so many parrots, 
and during the exchange of remarks I noted that the 
Yankees caught it most unmercifully. Heavens I how 
those women did revile them, and stamp on them with 
their pretty little feet, and tear them to pieces, and stab 
them with their tongues I and all the while the men seemed 
to enjoy it, and listened in approving silence. 

But at last I saw that Bowmount, who had drank 
enough to feel independent, and as bold as a Kentucky 
tobacco-raiser usually is, had his attention attracted by 
something that one of the pretty little females uttered. 
His dark eyes glared, and his heavy face lighted up as if 
by inspiration, as he swallowed a glass of wine, and then 
addressed the lady who was nearly on the opposite side of 
the table. 

“ You don’t like the Yanks, mum ? ” he asked in a 
loud tone, so loud that the attention of all at the table 
was attracted. 

“ No, sir, I don’t I ” with a snarl, and a curl of her 


102 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“You nev3r seed mucli of ’em, did you?” continued 
the impudent Kentuckian. 

“ No, sir ; and I don’t want to. The miserable Yankees 
are not fit associates for a Southern born and bred lady.” 

A murmur of applause was heard up and down the 
table on the part of the females present, and those who 
applauded the loudest attracted the most attention. 
Among the most vehement applauders of the sentiment I 
noticed Miss Rnett, the daughter of the gray-headed 
colonel. 

She caught my glance, and smiled a friendly recognition, 
as though she did not want the friendship to end, now that 
we were on shore. 

“ O, they ain’t fit associates, eh? ” continued Mr. Bow- 
mount, sipping his wine. 

“ No, sir. I dislike everything that belongs to the Yan- 
kees. They are an impudent race — a scheming set of 
savages, without refinement or manners. Our slaves are 
far better.” 

“Just so, mum,” the Kentuckian remarked; “but, 
before I agrees to all what you says, let me ax you a few 
questions.” 

“ As many as you please, sir, if it is for the purpose of 
proving the Yankees the meanest race on the face of the 
earth. But first let me know whom I am addressing ? ” 

“ My name is Isaac Bowmount, mum, and I was colonel 
of the Ninety-ninth Regiment of Kentucky Cavalry. I 
served a year in the confederate army, and left when riy 
time expired. You won’t accuse me of being a Yankee — 
will you?” 

He smiled as though to invite her confidence, and the 
announcement of his rank was enough to secure it. She 
bestowed a keen glance upon the Kentuckian, and so did 
the owners of other bright eyes. 

“ Yes,” said Bowmount, in a musing tone, but loud 



’HE KENTUCKIAN’S QUARREL. — Pag© 105. 


I 



i. 






•!=r 






RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


103 


enough for all to hear, “ I has fit against the Yankees, 
and I must confess that I don’t like their style of fightin’.” 

“ There ! there’s good testimony to what I have said,” 
cried the Southern girl in triumph. “Just hear what the 
colonel says.” 

“ Yes,” continued the Kentuckian. “ I don’t like theii 
style of doing things. When the Yankees fight, they 
seem to be in earnest about it, and don’t care if they do 
kill all who stands before ’em. I have been in several 
fights, and, in all but one, the Yankees licked us. We 
started ’em at Bull Run, but they touched us up in West- 
ern Virginia and Tennessee ; and I must confess, that, 
when the Yanks come at us with fixed bagonets, our men 
was allers inclined to run, and hang me if some of the 
oflScers didn’t lead the way ! ” 

“ More shame for them ! ” cried the indignant young 
lady on the opposite side of the table ; and the gentleman 
who sat by her side — her husband or brother, I could not 
just tell in which relation he stood — seemed to coincide 
with her. 

“Yes,” resumed Bowmount, in a dogmatical manner, 
after glancing along the table, and seeing that all present 
were listening ; “ it was a shame for Southern-born men 
to run at the sight of Yankees; but you know that, 
unless some of us had took to our heels we shouldn’t have 
been here eatin’ turtle and drinkin’ claret. In fact, I 
think it more honor to try and fight and run away, than 
not make any appearance of fightin’, but skulk out of the 
country as soon as a shot is fired ! ” 

This was a hard hit, and I saw some of the young 
fellows squirm ; but they looked as though they were not 
troubled, and continued to sip their wine. To my sur- 
prise, the lady on the opposite side of the table seemed to 
agree with the Kentuckian. 

“If I were a man,” she remarked, “such a charge 
ihould not be brought against me.” 


104 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ No, I s’pose not. You women has more spunk than 
the men. But that ain’t what I was cornin’ at. I want 
to talk with you about the Yanks.” 

“ They are a mean, deceitful people. There is no 
gallantry, or refinement, or courage about them.” 

This sentiment met with universal applause from the 
ladies. 

“ Let’s see about that,” said Bowmount, with a mis- 
chievous smile. ‘‘Whar was you edicated, mum?” 

“ At the South, sir,” returned she, with a glow of pride. 

“Very good,” continued he. “ At a boardin ’-school ? ” 

“ No, sir ; my father employed a governess as teacher.” 

“ And whar did that ’ere governess and teacher come 
from?” 

There was a moment’s silence. 

“ Shucks ! ” continued the Kentuckian. “ No backin’ 
out. Honor bright. Come up to the scratch.” 

There was another pause, when she replied, hesitat- 
ingly, — 

“ I think she came from Massachusetts.” 

“ And whar did the piany that you played on come 
from ? ” 

“ Boston,” she said, in a low tone, after a moment’s 
hesitation. 

“ And whar was the books printed that you learned 
from ? ” 

“ I have forgotten.” 

“'Honor, now.” 

“You are pressing the lady in an offensive manner,” 
said the man who sat by her side, noting her hesitancy. 

“ Never you mind,” retorted the Kentuckian. “ It’s 
our fight, and we mean to keep it up till one or the other 
of us cries out enough. Now, then,” turning to the lady, 
“ whar was the books printed ? ” 

“ O, they were Yankee books ! ” was the reluctant 
oonfession. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 105 

“And your father had his house nicely furnished — 
didn’t ho ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ And whar was the furniture made ? ” continued the 
persistent Kentuckian. 

“ In New York,” replied the lady, in a more sullen tone. 

“ And now,” cried Bowmouut exultantly, “ you pretends 
to despise the Yankees for the want of refinement and 
courage ; and yet you have just showed that all the articles 
of luxury and lamin’ that you ever heard of or knew 
anything about come from the land of the Yankees ! 
That’s jist about as much sense as some o’ you Southern 
women has got.” 

The young lady looked her rage, and then turned her 
glance to the man at her side as if appealing for protection. 

He answered it in the usual Southern style — without 
thought or consideration, or without a care as to who was 
right and who was wrong. Filling a glass with claret, he 
suddenly lifted it from the table, and dashed both the glass 
and its contents into the face of the plain-spoken Ken- 
tuckian. 

The surprise was so complete, that for a moment I 
almost fancied that I was the party insulted, for a few 
drops of the liquor touched my face ; but all doubts on the 
subject were set at rest in an instant; for Bowmount 
sprang to his feet with an angry oath, and, seizing the 
claret-bottle that stood near him, dashed it full at the 
head of the young fellow who had so grossly insulted him. 

The bottle struck the Southerner squarely in the face, 
and shivered into atoms; and with the thousand pieces 
fell the young man, apparently lifeless. 

Then there was a scene in the dining-room of the Royal 
Humbug Hotel that had seldom been equalled since the 
Southerners took possession of it. 

As soon as Bowmount had sent the claret-bottle on its 


106 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


way, he prepared to follow it right across the table, and thus 
fall upon the senseless man and complete his punishment, 
just as though the fellow had not been sufficiently dealt 
with. 

But I saw the movement of the Kentuckian, and, 
despite the hilt of the bowie-knife which I noticed in his 
pants, caught his arm. In an instant the man had his 
hand free of my grasp, and whipped out his weapon. 

As soon as he found his hands free, the infuriated man 
once more turned his attention to the prostrate Southerner 
at the other side of the table. By his side was kneeling 
the young lady whose free speech had caused all the 
trouble. By the words which she uttered in her despair, 
I saw that she was a wife, and that the person that she 
was so tender of was her husband. 

As Bowmount gathered his forces for a rush, I hastily 
glanced around to see if any one was disposed to lend me 
a helping hand. To my surprise, no one stepped forward. 
Even the colonel retained his seat ; but his amiable daugh- 
ter was mounted on a chair, so that she could command a 
good view of the fight, and bestow applause where it 
belonged. 

I had time to see this much, and no more ; for my atten- 
tion was turned to the Kentuckian, who sprang on a 
chair, and was just about to leap over the table, when 
I caught hold of his coat-tail, and pulled him back. He 
turned suddenly, to see who was opposing him ; and, just 
as he aimed a blow at m}'- head with his formidable weapon, 
I overturned the chair, and down the brawny fellow fell 
with a crash, carrying dishes and a portion of the table 
with him. 

Before Bowmount could gain' his feet, I had his knife, 
and was holding him down by main force. He strug- 
gled violently, and I thought it necessary to be rude. 

I put the knife to his neck, and said, in a determined 

tone, — 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 107 

“ If you don’t keep quiet, I’ll cut your throat as sure 
as you live.” 

Tliis threat astonished him, He ceased his struggles, 
and looked at me as though to note if I was in earnest. 

“ Do you mean it ? ” he asked. 

“ Yes ; and I’ll do it, too, unless you listen to reason.” 

“ I didn’t think this of you,” the Kentuckian said, after 
a moment’s silence, during which he remained quiet. 

“ Perhaps I could return the compliment. A man who 
makes a cut at me with a knife don’t deserve much con- 
sideration.” 

“Wall, I didn’t mean to do it; so forgive me, and let 
me up.” 

“Will you promise to behave in a quiet manner? ” 

“Yes. Keep the knife as security that I’ll do right. 
Shucks! don’t bother a feller now.”* 

“ I think he’s still dangerous,” muttered one of the 
Southerners. 

“ He should be given in custody without delay,” con- 
tinued another ; but, without listening to such remarks, I 
released the Kentuckian, and allowed him to rise. 

“Humph!” he growled, as he gained his feet, and 
shook himself, “ you couldn’t have done it, old feller, unless 
you had played me a trick. I can throw you with a fair 
hold, and make nothin’ of it.” 

“We won’t discuss the matter at the present time. 
One of these days I’ll give you a trial.” 

‘ ‘ That’s all right. What do you want by pressing round 
me so — eh ? ” and Bowmount turned on the crowd that 
was near him, all of them w'earing threatening looks, and 
appearing as though half disposed to assault him. 

The chivalry retired a short distance, for they feared 
that the Kentuckian would resort to some of the bottles 
on the table, and break their heads in regular order. 

“ Keep quiet,” I said. “You have done mischief enough 
8 


108 


running the blockade. 


for one day. I think you have killed the man on the 
other side of the table.” 

“ And serve him right if I have. What right had he 
to shove in his oar, and throw wine in my face ? I tell you, 
Barnwell, if that feller gets on his feet again. I’ll have 
another peck at him — you see if I don’t.” 

“ And if he don’t shoot you at sight, I will,” returned 
the lady, who had been kneeling by her husband’s side. 
“ O, you brute I You deserve to be kicked by Yankees 
for your conduct I ’ ’ 

“ Shucks ! and what does the feller deserve for throwing 
wine in my face ? ” indignantly demanded the Kentuckian. 

“ I believe he is a base Yankee spy,” some one said ; 
and, looking for the person, I found that it was Miss Rhett 
who had spoken. 

The idea was seized upon in an instant, and passed 
from one to the other ; and then the fair dames scowled 
at the Kentuckian more vindictively than ever, and there 
were some threats of shooting the man on the spot ; but a/ 
length I managed to get^dnm out of the room, just as an 
English surgeon arrived to attend to the injured person. 

“ Now go to your chamber, and remain there unti) 
to morrow,” I said, as we closed the dining-room door. 
“ You have raised a confounded row, and I must do the 
best I can to end it.” 

“ Tell ’em,” said the Kentuckian, as he laid one of his 
heavy hands on my shoulder, “ that they are a set of con- 
founded sneaks, and that I’U fight the whole of ’em, one 
at a time, whenever they wants me to. Shucks I Talk 
about mean Yankees I Why, them feUers is ten times 
meaner than the worse Yankee that I ever seed. A Yan- 
kee don’t pitch wine into your face, and then cry baby 
’cos you knocks him down. But there’s no use talkin’. 
Come to my room, and let’s have a bottle of wine.” 

I refused to accept his proposal, but it made no difference 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


109 


in the man’s feelings. I left him, and entered the dining- 
room, where I was received with a chorus of approbation 
from the dark-eyed women who were assembled there — 
every one of them rank little rebels. 

“O, Lieutenant Barnwell!” said the lady whose hus- 
band was injured by the bottle which Bowmount threw, 
“ how can I thank you for what you have done? You 
have saved my husband’s life by your courage and o'^n^uct. 
That brutal man would have killed him. I don’t know 
but that he will die, as it is, from the effects of his injuries.’ 

As I moved along the room to the spot where the South- 
erner was lying, I was congratulated on all sides, and 
suddenly found that I was quite a hero in their eyes. 
Even Mr. Newton Fudge, the confederate agent, a native 
of Tennessee,- — the same man whose head Parson Brown- 
low had threatened to punch for cheating in selling ne- 
groes, or some shrewd election trick, — came to me, and 
extended his hand. 

“ Lieutenant,” he said, “ I have all along thought that 
you was nearly destitute of snap and spunk, and that you 
was leaving the South to avoid fighting. But now I know 
different.” 

“ It was well done I ” cried Colonel Rhett, hobbling 
towards me. “ I never saw but one thing that equalled it. 
At the battle of BuU Run, a Federal officer made at me 
with a sabre in one hand, and pistol in the other. I — ” 

I never heard the fate of that Federal officer, for I 
passed on. I had no doubt in my mind, at the time, 
that Colonel Rhett escaped from the fury of that Federal 
officer by the speed of his horse, or else he used his legs 
to good purpose. 

When I gained the side of the injured man, I found 
that a surgeon was busily engaged in binding up his 
wounds; and bad enough some of them were. The 
\K)ttle had broken when it touched his face, and the sharp 


no 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


edges of the pieces had lacerated the skin jn a terrible 
manner, so that much blood had flown, and the man 
really looked in a dangerous condition. 

He was in no mood to talk ; so, when informed by his 
wife that I was his “ preserver,” he merely pressed my 
hand in token of his thanks ; and then I advised an 
immediate removal to his room, where he could no longer 
be annoyed by the crowd, and where his injuries could be 
attended to in a proper manner. 

“We shall never forget you, sir,” the wife said, and 
gave me her hand to prove it. 

I gave it a little squeeze to show that I appreciated her 
favorable opinion, and took an admiring glance at her face. 

Perhaps Mrs. Anthony Go wen, of Augusta, Ga., noted 
that look of admiration, and was not disposed to feel offend- 
ed at it, for she blushed a little in a coy manner, and once 
more held out her hand, while the servants and a few 
friends were helping Mr. Gowen up stairs to his chamber. 

“ I shall always be grateful to South Carolina for send- 
ing such a brave son to our aid,” she remarked, with a 
tiny pressure of her hand. “ When Southern gentlemen, 
from other States stood aloof, fearful of danger, you risked 
your life to save my husband. South Carolina is honored 
in owning such a son.” 

“ That is what I say I ” cried the Virginia colonel, who 
it seems had been standing near, listening to all that was 
said, without my knowledge. 

“ Lieutenant Barnwell,” cried the colonel, who seemed 
reluctant to allow me a moment’s conversation with the 
Georgia lady, “ you should be thanked for what you have 
done this afternoon — you should indeed.” 

“ But I desire no thanks, sir.” 

“ It is because you are too modest, sir. That is the 
reason. I never saw more heroism, even at Bull Hun, 
than that displayed by you this day.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


1\1 

^ Shall I offer you my arm, and assist you up stairs ? ” I 
asked Mrs. Gowen. 

I saw that there were many men in the hall, and that 
they were inclined to block the way. 

She laid her hand on my arm at once ; and then, with 
a bow to the colonel and his daughter, we went up 
stairs towards her room, whither her husband had pre- 
ceded us. 

“ Will you come in ? ” the lady asked when we arrived 
at her door. 

“ No ; not at present.” 

“ You will call in the course of the evening, sir ? ” 

“ If T find time, I shall be pleased to.” 

She seemed satisfied with this answer ; and, with a bow 
and look of gratitude, the lady entered her apartment. 

I went to my own room, entered, and locked the door. 
I then waited for darkness, so that I could leave the house 
unnoticed ; for I was determined to have an interview 
with the American consul that night, and place in his 
hands the valuable papers which the colonel had stolen 
from Sould, and which I had secured by a little stratagem. 
I also had ether information to impart, and desired to re- 
ceive some light on important points. In fact, I had no 
doubt but that the consul and I could pass a half hour 
quite pleasantly, and for the benefit of our government. 

At nine o’clock, it being dark enough to move without 
fear of detection, I rolled up a bundle of sailor clothes, — 
blue shirt and pants, — and then removed some of my 
superfluous clothing, together with my watch and mon- 
ey, locked them up in trunk, so that when I made 
my toilet in the open air, I should not be embarrassed by 
fear of losing what little property I had. Then, watching 
my opportunity, I dropped the bundle in the yard near 
the corner of the hotel, and stole down the back stairs. 
Fortunately I was unobserved ; and taking my bundle, I 


112 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


retreated to the shadow of a tree some distai/ce from the 
house, changed my clothes, rolled my citizen’s dress into 
a ball, and, hiding it in the branches^, started for the 
American consul’s, a jolly-looking sailor to all appearances. 

CHAPTER IV. 

AN ENCOUNTER. — THE STREETS OP NASSAU AT NIGHT. 

— THE AMERICAN CONSUL. — A ROW. — A FOUL BLOW. 

— ON A BLOCKADE RUNNER. — AN EMPRESSMENT. — A 

FRIEND IN NEED. — THE SUSPICIOUS STEAMER. — A 

SIGNAL. — HARRY BLUFF AND HIS STATION IN LIFE. 

The night was dark, and the city of Nassau is not par- 
ticularly brilliant with gas and candles ; so I was com- 
pelled to feel my way, in a measure, as far as the sidewalks 
were concerned. Which way to ' move, or what direction 
I should steer, was more than I could tell. I had not the 
faintest idea where the American consul had located his 
office or house, so determined to inquire of the first person 
I encountered. For five minutes I walked on in silence, 
and then came to the harbor, where there was light and 
more people. I singled out a sailor, and asked him if he 
could tell me where the American consul resided. 

The blue-jacket looked at me in surprise, and then 
raised his voice, and shouted in Jordey-like tones, — 

“ Eh ! here be a South Spain prig, what takes the 
bread out our mouths. Let us duck him.” 

The fellow attempted to lay hands on me, but I 
dropped him with a blow that made him see stars. 

Before any of his shipmates, all belonging to one of 
the blockade runners, could interfere, I was ofP, and, 
although they followed me for a distance, shouting out 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


113 


that I was a Yankee spy, yet I managed to evade them, 
and once more considered what I should do to find the 
person I was in search of. 

By this time I was aware that I had secured a reputa- 
tion, and felt that it would not answer to extend it ; but 
how to find the consul, unless I asked for him, was a ques- 
tion that puzzled me. 

For a while I stood on the corner of a street, and 
thought the matter over ; and while I was thus thinking, 
two persons stopped near me. 

“Well,” asked one, “you think that you will sail to- 
morrow, do you ? ” 

“ Yes ; if we have wind enough. I am tired of remain- 
ing in this cursed secesh hole.” 

“ Ah ! ” returned the other, with a sigh, “ what do you 
think of my position ? Insults and defiance are what I 
have met with ever since I have been stationed here. I 
have to submit to many things which nearly drive me 
frantic, and yet there is no help for me.” 

“ I can imagine some of the hard things which you have 
to bear ; but have patience and courage. The time will 
come when all of these things will be remembered and 
paid for. The wind will not blow in one quarter for a 
lifetime.” 

‘ ‘ I hope not ; and now good night, for I must hasten home.” 

The parties separated, — one walking towards the 
water, and the other towards the centre of the town. The 
latter seemed to be the man I wanted, so followed him 
as rapidly as possible, keeping close to his heels, until he 
suddenly noticed my movements, turned, and, to my sur- 
prise, presented a revolver close to my head. 

I must confess that I stopped quite suddenly when 
such a threatening demonstration was made ; and, when I 
was about to ask the cause of it, the person I confronted 
remarked in a quiet, confident manner, — 


114 RUNNING THE- BLOCKADE. 

“If TGu follow me another step I’ll put a piece of lead 
through you.” 

“ I should be extremely sorry to have you do anything 
of the sort. Cold lead is unpleasant, and not to be trifled 
with.” 

“ Who in the fiend’s name are you ? ” asked the man 
with the revolver, still keeping his pistol on a level with 
my head. 

“ Don’t you see that I’m a sailor ? ” 

“ Yes ; I see that you are dressed in a sailor’s rig, but 
that don’t make you a sailor ; so keep at arm’s length until 
we’ve had a better understanding, or I swear to you that 
I will blow your brains out.” 

“ Nonsense I ” I cried. “ If I had brains, I should not 
be here. Put up your pistol, and don’t fear me.” 

“ Do you belong to a blockade -runner ? ” the stranger 
asked, and slowly lowered his pistol, so that it no longer 
covered my head, for which I was thankful, for the man 
before me was of a nervous temperament, and a little too 
active to suit an inquiring mind like my own. 

“ No ; I am not in that line of business.” 

“ Who are you, then ? ” 

“ A sailor, without a shot in the locker, anxious to find 
the American consul.” 

The man before me seemed to meditate on the subject, 
as though debating as to the amount of reliance to be 
placed on what I stated. At last he said, — 

“I am the American consul. Come to my olB&ce to- 
morrow morning, and I will listen to your wants.” 

He was about to turn away, but I detained him by my 
words. 

“ I must talk with you to-night, or not at all. I can’t 
see you at your office in the daytime.” 

“Why not?” 

“ Foi good and sufficient reasons.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE 


115 ' 


“ Let me hear one of them.” 

“ Convince me that you are the American consul, 
and I will convince you that I have something worth 
listening to.” 

“ You are not a common sailor ; ” and I saw the consul 
raise one of his hands in a slow, cautious manner, and 
make a sign that I instantly recognized. 

I had been waiting for that demonstration; and now 
that I was satisfied a United States oflicer stood before 
me, I returned the sign, and saw that it was comprehended 
immediately ; for the grand secret-service signal was given, 
and answered as soon as made. 

“ I am glad to welcome you to Nassau,” said the consul, 
as he held out his hand, and received the proper grip. 

“ And I am glad to find you, for I have had enough 
trouble in so doing.” 

“ You have news for me ? ” asked the consul. 

“ Yes ; important news.” 

“ Did you arrive in the steamer from New York ? ” 

“ Then you are just the one I want to see. My letters 
tell me that a large number of secesh and blockade run- 
ners would take passage for Nassau. You can give me 
some important information, I have no doubt. Come with 
me to the house, and have a glass of wine ; and then we 
will compare notes, at the same time drink success to our 
cause.” 

As we walked along, I related to the official some of 
the incidents which I had encountered during the evening ; 
and if the consul had been a mirthfully inclined man, he 
would have laughed and enjoyed the thing as much as I 

did ; but Mr. had suffered so much while in office, 

that it was rare to see a smile on his face. He appeared 
to regard jokes something in the same light that he re- 
garded blockade runners, — things to be dealt with in a 
•evere manner, and put down without delay. 


116 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADK 


I saw his disposition for thoughtfulness, and rallied him 
a little on it ; but it was useless to force him from a 
beaten path, so I let the matter drop, and we walked 
on in silence until we reached his house and entered. 

The consul conducted me to his library, where we could 
be alone, ordered some wine, pulled down the curtains so 
that no one could look in, glanced under the sofa to see if 
any one was concealed there, and then announced himself 
ready to hear all that I had to offer. 

“ And let me entreat of you to speak low,’’ said the 
consul. “ I am surrounded by spies ; all my actions and 
visitors are watched and reported to the select circle at 
the Humbug Hotel, where blockade runners and confeder- 
ate agents make their headquarters and revile the North. 
Hark I what was that ? ” 

We listened for a moment. All was quiet. 

“ It might have been the wind stirring the bushes and 
trees in the garden,” the consul said, looking as though he 
hoped I would confirm his suggestion ; but I could not, 
for, unless my ears deceived me, I had heard a footstep 
under the window. 

We waited a moment for a repetition of the sound, but 
aU was quiet. 

“ Well,” said the officer, “ I suppose you may as well 
go on. Perhaps I was mistaken ; but you don’t know 
what the people who track me and annoy me are capable 
of.” 

“ Yes, I do. I have seen several specimens of the chiv- 
alry during my life, and rare specimens they were. I will 
enlighten you regarding my companions on board the 
steamer. In the first place — ” 

I stopped in my narrative abruptly ; for, as sure as I sat 
in a chair, 1 heard the breaking of twigs beneath the win- 
dow, as though some one was approaching very cau tiously 
for the purpose of listening to our conference. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


117 


“ I knew that [ was not mistaken,” the consul said. 

Some one is hovering around the house, hoping to hear 
something, having seen us enter the building.” 

“ Have you any objections to my slipping my cable, and 
crowding sail in chase ? ” I asked. 

“ It would be useless. Before you could get out of the 
fxont door the scamp would be off.” 

“ Yes ; but I don’t propose to leave the house by the 
front door. Does that window move easy ? ” 

“Yes. A light touch will open it.” 

“ Then allow me to remove the fastenings, and do you 
pull up the curtain when I give the signal.” 

“But the sneak may fire at you. Blockade runners are 
capable of anything.” 

“ Do not fear for me. A man detected in an act of 
meanness is not apt to possess much coolness. T will run 
some little risk for the purpose of rebuking one of these 
sneaks.” 

The face of the consul glowed, and he seemed to enter 
into the arrangement with more spirit than I anticipated. 
He removed the fastening of the window, arranged the 
curtain so that it could be pulled aside at a moment’s 
notice, and, when all was ready, I gave the official the 
papers which Colonel Rhett had stolen from Soul^, and 
which I had obtained possession of through a ruse ; 
also related all that had transpired while on board the 
steamer and at the hotel, and requested the consul to for- 
ward the facts to the Secretary of the Navy as soon as pos- 
sible, in case I were unable to write out a detailed account 
of all that had transpired. 

During my narrative, more than once had we heard 
footsteps under the window, but we pretended not to 
notice them, for I was desirous of concluding my remarks 
before I attended to other business. But I spoke so low 
that there was no danger of being heard by the listener, 


118 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


whoever he was ; and although one of his ears, I had no 
doubt, was glued to the window-pane, yet he was no wiser 
when I had concluded than when I commenced my yarn. 

“ Now,” I whispered to the consul, “ I am ready to 
overhaul the fellow outside.” 

“ Had you not better think twice of the matter ? There 
is no occasion to give chase of such a sneak as is in the 
garden.” 

“We can see who he is and what he wants,” I replied. 
“ Ah I he is growing impatient. Now, then, I am ready, 
if you are.” 

The consul nodded, and up went the curtain and the 
window at the same time, giving a momentary glimpse of 
a dark and surprised-looking face ; for the change was %o 
sudden that the eavesdropper had no time to dodge out of 
sight. 

As I put my hand on the window-sill to spring out, the 
spy vanished amid the bushes ; but the next instant I had 
alighted on the ground, and was in close pursuit ; vaulting 
over roses and other shrubs, stumbling and dodging amid 
the branches of fruit trees, but still keeping the form of 
the spy in view, until I found that I should break my neck 
if I kept on, and then I called on the fellow to halt. 

“ Stop I ” I said, “ or I’ll fire.” 

He only made more exertions to escape : and I soon saw 
that he had the best of me, as far as heels were concerned. 
Determined that he should not get off without some little 
diamage, I drew my revolver, and taking a rapid aim, fired. 

The party I was pursuing uttered a fearful yell, wliich 
was an indication that I had hit him ; but the cold lead 
seemed to act just the same as a steel spur acts on a horse, 
^{ausing him to bound higher and run faster ; and at 
last, after I had nearly knocked my brains out against the 
boughs of trees, I was compelled to give up the chase, and 
return towards the house. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


119 


I met the consul in search of me. He had heard the 
report of a pistol, and it had alarmed him. He feared that 
I had been shot at and wounded, and he also feared that 
the noise of the revolver would draw a large crowd in the 
vicinity of his house, and that, through Southern influence, a 
row would ensue, thus complicating matters for the United 
States and England; a row between the two countries 
being just what the confeds at Nassau most earnestly 
desired, so that independence could be secured through 
such a result. 

“ I am glad that you are uninjured,” the consul said, as 
soon as I had answered his questions ; but I am sorry 
that you fired your pistol. Hark I already the alarm has 
been given, and in a few minutes a crowd will collect 
around the house. I must go in and put out the lights. 
Will you come with me, or make your escape while there 
is time ? ” 

“ Let me go with you, and share your danger,” I said. 

“ There is no danger, unless some one throws a stone 
through one of my windows. That is about all that will 
be done. The work is just brave enough for some of these 
Nassau people. _ 

“ Who are pirates in disposition, and sheep in courage,” 
I said. 

The consul did not reply. The murmur of people col- 
lecting in the streets became more audible ; and it was 
evident that they were nearing the house on an errand of 
investigation. 

“ You must now leave me,” the consul -remarked in a 
cool, calculating way, as though he was accustomed to 
such sounds and scenes. “ I must hasten to the house, 
while you had better return to the hotel at once. We 
will meet again in a few days, and compare notes. Good 
by.” 

He left me just as a crowd of noisy men and boys halted 


120 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


in front of his house, and shouted and groaned as though 
endeavoring to raise their courage sufficiently to commit 
some act of an aggravating nature. 

“ Come out, you representative of a brutal and tyranni- 
cal government ! ” yelled one voice, which I had no. trouble 
in setting down as belonging to a Southerner. “ Let us 
see your flag, and if you dare to face this enlightened 
crowd of freemen.” 

“ ’Ear I ’ear I ” roared a score of Englishmen. 

I jumped over a wall, crossed the street, and, by the 
absence of light, soon managed to join the crowd without 
exciting remark. 

1 saw that there were about fifty men near the house : 
two thirds of them were people cf Nassau, who engaged in 
little piratical ventures, such as robbing wrecks, running 
the blockade, and anything to earn an honest living ; and 
the other third was composed of Southerners who h. d 
joined hands with the pirates and the sons of pirates for 
the purpose of humiliating the flag of our Union and the 
country that gave them birth. 

“ Let the man wot shoots at men show hisself, ’ roared 
an English cockney, stooping down and feeling for a stone ; 
and it was lucky for the consul’s windows that but few 
stones could be found in the sti’eets of Nassau, sand being 
the principal substance. 

“ Say, Yankee ! wLy don’t you shoot at some of us? ” 
roared a bold individual. 

“ Yes ; let him try it on if he wants to. Come, fire at 
us. We are ready for you.” 

Then all hands yelled, like a lot of fiends as they 
were ; but still the consul did not show a light, or give 
any indication that he was awake. 

“ 0, he can kill people when there are no witnesses,’' 
one young ruffian said, and raised his arm to throw some- 
thing ; but, just as he was about to launch a shot at the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 121 

windows, I gave the scamp a push, and sent him h(^adlong 
to the earth. 

“ Who did that ? ” he asked, in an indignant tone. 

No one paid the least attention to the question, for 
just at that moment the consul appeared at the door, and 
asked, in a loud tone, — 

“ Gentlemen, to what am I indebted for the honor of 
this visit?’’ 

A hoot of derision was the answer ; and some of the 
Southerners, in their zeal and rage, hurled sand at the 
consul, while others searched for missiles ; and lucky it was 
for the official’s head that they could not find what they 
wanted. 

“ Gentlemen,” said the consul, in a quiet tone, “ I shall 
complain of this outrage to the government.” 

A shout of laughter was the reply to this threat, and 
more sand was thrown ; but just at this moment some one 
cried, — 

“ The sojers are coming ! ” 

The crowd started on the run down the street, and 
scattered in all directions. I went with some of the swift- 
est towards the water ; for I thought that, with the har- 
bor for a guide, I could find my way back to the hotel 
without trouble. 

So I ran, with some half a dozen others, until I was 
within sight of the water, and then, just as I was about to 
stop and take breath, I was struck a savage blow on the 
head, and down I tumbled insensible.” 

When I began ^to recover I heard some terrible shouts 
of laughter, and songs, and harsh words ; and when I was 
enabled to see, found that I was lying in a berth in a 
steamer’s house, and that the crew were seated on their 
chests, on their clothes-bags, and on kegs, with tin pots in 
their hands, drinking and carousing, and singing the joys 
and pleasures of the sea. 


122 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


For a few minutes I remained quiet, and endeavored to 
comprehend all that had passed during the night ; but 1 
was so weak and faint that I foundr the effort almost im- 
possible ; and when I raised my head to speak, and ask 
how I happened to be where I was, found that the motion 
was a little too much for me, and settled down with so 
much pain that a groan escaped me. 

“ Hullo ! ’’ cried one of the youngest and liveliest of the 
men. ‘‘ Our new shipmate is swinging with the tide. 
He begins to feel liis helm, like a seventy-four in a close- 
reefed-topsail breeze. What cheer, old feller ? How goes 
it?” 

He left his seat on the chest, and came towards me, 
while his companions stopped their singing for a moment. 
But the lull was only for a moment, for they almost im- 
mediately recommenced howling for tiie success of some 
noted steamer that had run the blockade many times, and 
bidden defiance to all the ships in the Yankee navy. 

“ Well, shipmate, what cheer ? ” asked the sailor, as he 
bent over me. 

“ Give me a little water,” I said. “ 1 feel faint and 
thirsty, and my head pains me dreadfully.” 

“ Won’t a little brandy do better? ” asked the young 
fellow. 

The very thought of touching liquor made me shudder. 

“ W ell, well ; don’t kick. You shall have the water ; 
but some of the crew wouldn’t believe it if I should tell 
’em that you liked it better than grog.” 

He left the house for a moment, and returned with a 
quart pot of water from the scuttle butt, so that it should 
be fresh. 

“ Here you are, shipmate. Let me help you raise your 
head. So ; that will do. Now down with it.” 

The water was warm ; but it tasted good, and refreshed 
me a little. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


123 


“Now let me look at your calabash. You must have 
been awful swipsey to fall and damage your figure-head in 
that way I Run afoul of a stone, didn’t you ? for you have 
a deuce of a cut here just aft of the ears.” 

“ No ; some one struck me with a slung-shot, I sup- 
pose.” 

“ Then the mean sneak was a coward, what didn’t dare 
to stand up, man fashion, and give and take. How did it 
happen ? ” 

“ I don’t know.” 

“ Well, some of our crew brought you on board, by 
order of the ‘ old man.’ They said they found you on the 
beach. But here you are, and here you must remain, ’cos 
we trip anchor to-morrow.” 

“For where?” 

“ That’s only known to the skipper and the chaps on 
shore. Lord I they don’t let us coves into the secret, ’cos 
they fear we should prove a little leaky, and then Uncle 
Sam’s boys would get wind of the matter, and gobble us 
up. But cheer up, matey ; in a few days you’ll be all 
right, and eatin’ your reg’lar ’lowance like the rest of us.” 

This was far from satisfactory to me, and so I made 
an impatient gesture, and attempted to sit up ; but my 
head ached so severely that I could not, and was forced to 
lie down again. 

“ I want to see the captain of the steamer,” I said. 
“ I must be set on shore. I’ll have satisfaction for this 
outrage.” 

The young sailor smiled. 

“ The ‘ old man ’ has company, and won’t notice you. 
You’d better make the best of it. Take what is offered 
you, and think yourself lucky for it.” 

I made no reply ; and the young sailor, seeing that I did 
not rally at his words, continued, — 

“ You jest keep still, and I’ll go aft and ask the surgeon 
to come for’ard and look at ver head.” 

9 


124 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


In a few minutes the young sailor returned with t;he 
surgeon of the ship, — an old Scotchman who was on his 
way to the Southern Confederacy to offer his services. He 
hoped to do wonders in curing diseases and amputating 
limbs, and receive his pay for doing the same in cotton 
at the rate of fourpence a pound, intending to sell the 
same in Liverpool for about four shillings. 

The Scotch surgeon’s name was Donald MacFearson, 
and he came from Glasgow. 

MacFearson, on the night that he was called to attend 
me, had been driu king success to the Sou them Confederacy 
with half a dozen of the chivalry, who were on their way 
to the seat of the rebellion ; and consequently he was not 
so clear-headed as he might have been. 

“ Here he is, doctor,” said the young sailor, by way of 
introduction, as he appeared at the side of the berth with 
the Scotchman. 

The doctor approached and bent over me, holding on to 
the berth with one hand, and said, in his broadest accent, — 

“ Weel, mon, what is the matter with ye? Who ha’ 
been and hurted ye ? ” 

As he spoke, he was sober enough to turn my head, and 
examine the wound. He then continued, — 

“ Ah I a moughty bad whack, mon. Some one hit ye 
that meant it should tell. I will do the best that I 
can for ye till I am a bit fresher ; for the punch to-night 
was unco good, and there was much of it. Here, hold the 
light, young Harry Bluff, and let me see if I can cut away 
some hair, and put on a plaster.” 

“ Nonsense I ” cried the young sailor who was called 
Harry Bluff ; and he laughed as he steadied the doctor, 
and kept him on his feet. “ Do you go aft, and get the 
plaster, while I nick off the hair. You’ll stick the scis- 
sors in his head, as sure as fate, if you attempt it.” 

“ Weel, lad, perhaps ye are right. Do you do the rough 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 125 

work, and I’ll do the fine ; and, as a reward, I’ll give you 
a stiff dose of punch.” 

Off the doctor went, and Harry Bluff trimmed the hair 
from the wound with as careful and tender a hand as a 
woman’s ; and, just as he had finished, the steward entered 
the house with some plaster and the doctor’s compliments> 
and hoped that Harry would finish the work, for he 
had resumed his old seat at the cabin table, and was drink- 
ing whiskey punches as though on a wager. 

“ Never mind,” whispered Harry Bluff, in a sootJiing 
tone, as he bent over me. “ I know a little of surgery, 
and will attend to your wound. Keep up your spirits, and 
you will come out all right, like the sun after a rain squall 
on the equator.” 

He put on the plaster, bound up my head, and then 
went aft and obtained an opiate of some kind for me, which 
made me feel easier, and put me to sleep in spite of the 
noise and confusion around me. I slept soundly through 
all the uproar of getting under way ; for, when I awoke, 
I knew, by the rolling of the steamer, that we were at 
sea, and that the crew were washing down decks. I al- 
most groaned as I reflected that all my clothes and valu- 
ables were on shore at the Royal Humbug Hotel, and that 
they were lost to me forever. 

. I w^as aroused from this disagreeable reflection by the 
entrance into the house of Harry Bluff, with a pot of hot 
coffee in his hand. 

“ Come,” he^ said, “ rouse and shine ; you’re worth a 
dozen dead men. I’ve blarneyed the cook into giving me 
a pot of coffee ; and you and I will share it.” 

The coffee was so reviving that I was enabled to raise 
my head and sit up ; and then I concluded to go on 
deck, have an interview with the captain, and see what 
he meant by such treatment as I had received. 

“ Is the captain on deck ? ” I asked. 


126 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Yes,” replied Harry. 

I at once determined to seek him before any of the pas- 
sengers were stirring. 

“ What is his name ? ” I inquired. 

“ Captain Pooduck ; and this is the steamer Pet. 
She’s the fastest and most successful blockade runner that 
ever bothered a Yankee gunboat. This is her fourth 
trip.” 

With the assistance of Harry Bluff, I cleansed the blood 
from my face and hands, arranged my hair, and then left 
the house, where the starboard watch was snoring, and 
went on deck, where the larboard watch were washing 
down. 

The sun was up and shining brightly, the air was clear 
and pure, and the water looked blue and crisp as the 
waves dashed against the steamer or rolled after her as if 
anxious for an embrace. The fresh air inspirited and 
strengthened me ; but, for all that, I was compelled to sit 
down and rest, I was so weak. 

The captain of the Pet was walking the quarter-deck, 
cigar in mouth, and hands in his breeches-pockets, medi- 
tating on the profits of the trip in case he escaped, when 
I crept aft and accosted him. 

At first the captain did not hear me ; but at last he 
allowed his eyes to fall on my face, and then he stopped 
and asked, — 

‘‘ Who are you, and what do you want ? ” 

“ I want justice,” I replied. 

“You do, eh? Go forward and get sober, and then 
go to work. You have been drunk and fighting.” 

He was about to resume his walk, but I was not to be 
turned off in that manner. I knew quarter-deck etiquette 
:oo well for that. 

“ Captain Pooduck,” I said, “ I was knocked down last 
night, and, while insensible, brought on board of youi 


RUNNING THE BLOCICADE. 127 

Vessel. It was an outrage that I am determined to resent 
as soon as I have an opportunity.” 

“ There ; that wiU do for the present. Now go forward, 
and do your duty.” 

“ I shall do no such thing. I am a Southern gentle- 
man ; and when we reach a Southern port, I’ll make you 
smart for this treatment. I have been kidnapped, and 
you had a hand in it.’* 

“ I’ll have a hand on your throat, if you don’t start your 
stumps for’ard,” Captain Pooduck responded, and made 
a motion as though he would kick me. But I did not 
move ; so he said, — 

“ Look a-here, young feller ; I found you on the beach 
last night, with a big cut on your head. I told the men 
to bundle you in the boat, and take you on board ^ and 
they did so. Here you are, and here you must remain till 
we reach some port. Now go for’ard.” 

“ I shall do no such thing,” I remarked, in a quiet tone, 
“ unless you tell me who struck me, and how I happened 
to be here. There is some secret connected with the 
affair, and I am determined to know it.” 

“ Not from me, you won’t, that I can teU yer.” 

As the captain spoke, he threw off several coils of a 
rope from a belaying-pin, so that he could work to advan- 
tage, and then came towards me, rope in hand. 

The crew of the steamer, who were washing down 
decks, dropped their buckets, and crowded aft, anxious to 
see the row ; ipv most of them had witnessed too many 
shots and blows to be afraid of a quarter-deck breeze. 
Foremost in the ranks that pressed aft was young Harry 
Bluff ; and although I could not think of assistance from 
the men, yet I did hope that Harry would prove a friend 
in case I had to fight for my life. 

“ Stand back. Captain Pooduck,” I said. “ If you offer 
to strike me with a rope, you are a dead man.” 


128 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


As I spoke, I drew my revolver, and levelled it at hia 
head ; and if ever there was an astonished man. Captain 
Pooduck was the one. 

He stopped, and no longer threatened with the rope ; 
but, although baffled for the moment, did not despair of 
carrying out his plan. 

“ Bring handspikes, some of you,” he said, “ and knock 
him down. Kill him ! Throw him overboard ! ” 

The mate of the steamer, as in duty bound, made an 
attempt to carry out the captain’s benevolent. designs ; but 
before he could snatch a capstan-bar from the rack, a new 
actor appeared on the scene, — one who seemed quite sur- 
prised at what she saw, for it was a lady; who left the 
cabin, and came on the quarter-deck. She gave vent to 
her astonishment, by exclaiming, — 

“ Mercy, Captain Pooduck I what is the matter ? ” 

I turned, and saw, standing near me, Mrs. Margelia 
Gowen, the wife of the Augusta cotton-broker, the man 
who had been knocked senseless the day before at the 
dinner table. 

The instant sjbe caught sight of my face, she knew me, 
and, with a pleasant smile, held out her hand, and came 
toAvards me, saying, — 

“ Why, Lieutenant Barnwell ! how glad I am to know 
that 3^ou are on board ! ” 

I put up my pistol, and was reaUy glad to see the lady ; 
for she was the means of preventing bloodshed, and per- 
haps had saved my life. 

At the time I escorted the handsome Mrs. Gowen up 
the grand stairs of the Royal Humbug Hotel, she had not 
even intimated that she was to leave Nassau in a hurry, 
but had urged me to visit her as often as I could make it 
convenient during my stay at the hotel ; and now she 
appeared like a ghost, and just at the time she could serve 
me most. In truth, I was very glad to see her, for she 





RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 129 

was a handsome woman, a wilful one, and accustomed to 
always have her own way. 

“ Barnwell,” she asked, as she took both of my hands, 
after I had put my revolver out of sight, “ what is the 
meaning of this masquerade ? What are you doing here, 
and how does it happen that you and Captain Pooduck are 
quarrelling ? Come, sir, answer me. ITl have no evasion.” 

The master of the steamer Pet dropped the rope’s end, 
and looked as though he had been detected in committing 
simple larceny, with a prospect of being arraigned before 
a police court, and having his name published in the 
papers. He shoved his hands in his pockets, and whistled 
softly. 

“ Captain Pooduck and I were having a slight discus- 
sion relative to the manner in which I came on board,” I 
replied. “ Some personalities have passed between us; but 
I think we now understand each other.” 

“ If Captain Pooduck offends or insults a friend of mine, 
he will hear from me,” Mrs. Gowen remarked in a haugh- 
ty tone. “ I have some influence in the confederacy when 
I desire to exert it.” 

The master of the Pet instantly exhibited aU the craven, 
mercenary qualities of a Yankee blockade runner, and 
became as humble as a cabin-boy after tasting of rope’s 
end ; for he well kpew that the cotton which he expected 
to receive for the merchandise on board must come with 
the consent of the rebel powers, and a handsome woman 
had influence with Jeff Davis and his cabinet. 

“ I hadn’t the slightest idea that he was a friend of 
your’n,” the captain replied. “ I thought I was doin’ him 
a good service when I took him on board last night ; I 
wanted a hand or two, you know, and he was dressed like 
a sailor.” 

“Yes, yes, I see! Tell me how it happens that you 
have those clothes on? ” queried Mrs. Gowen. 


130 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ A freak of mine,” I replied. “ I did not wish to min- 
gle with the people as a gentleman, and so I put on this 
toggery.” 

“ I see. Men will be men. But I will not reprove you, 
because I don’t know that I have the right. 

“ Captain Pooduck,” the lady said, in some such tone 
as she would have used had she been addressing her negro 
overseer, “let Mr. Barnwell have a state-room, — one of 
the best in the ship. He must change his clothes, and re- 
assume those of a gentleman. My husband has a trunk- 
ful of new articles of apparel, and they will just about fit 
you.” 

I remonstrated and pleaded, but without avail. The 
lady was determined. She said that I had proved myself 
a brave man, and she loved brave men. I had saved her 
husband’s life at the peril of my own ; and I must not 
think she was ungrateful, for she was not. She should 
recollect me as long as she lived. And a great deal more 
was said to the same effect. 

“ State-room all ready, sir,” said the steward ; and then 
I entered the cabin, wondering at the great change that 
had taken place within half an hour, and querying how it 
would end. 

In the mean time the crew had finished washing the 
decks, and were wondering what it all meant, but it got 
reported round that I was some great confederate officer 
whom the Yankees had endeavored to kill, and that I was 
on my way to Richmond to take charge of the James River 
fleet. 

My toilet was soon made, and then I returned to the 
deck, and found my patroness waiting for me. 

“You have been expeditious,” she remarked, as I joined 
her. 

“ Who would not be, when so agreeable a lady was 
waiting to be thanked for all her kindness ? ” I replied. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


131 


“ Nonsense I you don’t tliink me agreeable, or even 
handsome.” 

“ I dare to think both, but not to express my thoughts.’ 

“ What do you fear? ” 

“ I do not fear, but I remember.” 

“ What do you remember ? ” 

“ That you are a wife.” 

The thin, red lips curled, and the large dark eyes 
flashed, while a scornful smile passed over her face. 

“ Yes, — a wife without a husband.” 

“ How ? Mrs. Gowen, you are disposed to laugh at me.” 

“ I never was more serious in my life than I am at the 
present time. Come I it is luck, on some accounts, that 
we have met on board this steamer. I can make a confi- 
dant of you.” 

“ I shall feel honored with so proud a trust,” I said. 

“Will you really? Well, then, listen to me with all 
your attention.” 

She glanced around the deck to see that no one was 
within hearing. 

She then assumed a more confidential air, laid one of 
her small but brown hands on my arm to secure my atten- 
tion. and said, — 

“ You are surprised at seeing me on board the Pet ? ” 

“ I am pleased at seeing you on board,” I whispered. 
“ Why should I not be pleased, when your presence saved 
bloodshed, and perhaps my own life ? ” 

“ I shall be happy if I can think so,” she said, and then 
continued, — 

“ When we parted last night, I had no intention of 
leaving Nassau ; but that odious brute of a Kentuckian 
drove us fi-om the place. O, if I had been a man, this 
should never have occurred. You know how badly my 
husband was injured by a blow from the bottle ? He 
cannot see at all ; his face is disfigured for life, and all his 


m 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


spirit is gone. I think that it was near nine o’clock/* 
Mrs. Go wen continued, when a note was brought te the 
door of our room. It was for my husband, — a challenge 
from the Kentuckian. He insisted upon an immediate 
meeting, and swore that he would enter the room and 
horsewhip Mr. Gowen unless he complied with his demand. 
My husband was weak, and blind, and suffering, and be- 
came terrified at the prospect. Not being able to see, he 
knew he could not avoid the Kentuckian, and so insisted 
upon immediate flight. I begged and prayed Mr. Gowen 
to wait and meet the brute, or else let me attend to him ; 
but he was too much under the influence^ of fear : so he 
left all his business with an agent, and we took passage in 
the Pet. And that is how we happen to be here. I im- 
plored Mr. Gowen to wait till I could consult with you 
on the subject ; but he refused to listen to me ; and so that 
brute of a Kentuckian can boast that he has driven from 
the town one of the first families of Georgia.” 

I started wdth surprise. Gracious ! were there first fam- 
ilies in Georgia as well as in Virginia ? 

J list at that moment one of the lookouts stationed at 
the fore masthead uttered a yell that brought everybody' 
to their feet, and every spy-glass into requisition. 

“ Sail, ho ! ” shouted the lookout. 

Captain Pooduck was in his state-room, brushing up for 
breakfast ; but, hearing the cry, he came on deck at a 
bound, and glared around the horizon like a hungry tiger 
in search of a dinner. 

“ Where away ? ” yelled Pooduck ; and he had hardly 
asked the question before all the cabin passengers were 
on deck, some of wdiom had not yet slept off a drunken 
debauch of the previous night. 

There was alarm on many faces, and anxiety on all. 
The Scotch doctor, who had drank nearly a gallon of 
punch the night before, made his a^^pearance with a seal- 


RUNNING rriE BLOCKADE. 


133 


pel in one hand and a boot in the other, laboring under 
the impression that he had got to fight or travel, and per- 
haps both. 

“ Eh, weel! ” ho growled, “it’s unco hard if the Yan- 
kees grab us this time. Gi’ me but a chance, an’ I’ll na 
let then.* coffee rest on their stomachs.” 

The lookout reported that the sail was two points off 
the weather bow, and standing on the same course as the 
Pet. 

Captain Pooduck tucked his glass under his arm, and 
went up the fore rigging, for the purpose of getting a fair 
sight of the stranger ; while the cabin passengers mustered 
their opera-glasses, and took wonderful observations of the 
vessel. 

For half an hour Captain Pooduck refused to answer all 
questions relating to the steamer ; for it was easy to see 
that it was a steamer, and standing on the same course as 
the Pet ; but at the end of that time a long line of black 
smoke began to be noticed in the wake of the stranger, 
and then we saw canvas spread, and noticed a gradual 
edging away, as though a nearer acquaintance would be 
desirable on the part of those on board the steamer. 

“ WeU, is it a Yankee gunboat, or is it a blockade run- 
ner like ourselves ? ” asked Mrs. Go wen, who manifested 
not nearly as much alarm as some of tlie Southern heroes 
on board, and who talked fight continually, though they 
had never been in a battle. 

“ A blockade runner wouldn’t want to speak a stran- 
ger,” remarked Captain Pooduck in a thoughtful tone. 

“ Then it is a Yankee,” Mrs. Gowen said; and, as she 
spoke, I saw many a cheek pale at the idea of seeing the 
inside of Fort Lafayette or Fort Warren. 

Captain Pooduck did not answer the last remark until 
Le had placed his glass to his eye, and taken one more 
long and strong look. Then he touched a bell that con- 


134 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


nected with the engineers’ room, and the result of that 
signal was a volume of smoke that poured out of the 
funnel, black and heavy, caused by mixing coal with pitch 
and tar, and kept separate from the rest of the fuel, so 
that it could be used in such an emergency as this. 

The effect was soon manifested by an increased numbei 
of revolutions of the wheels, by the fierce hissing of the 
steam, and by the rapid speed of the Pet. Yet the course 
of the steamer was not altered ; and, consequently, every 
knot that we made only brought us nearer to the stranger, 
until at last we could see her hull, painted a dull lead 
color, as sober as a Quaker arrayed for a quarterly confer- 
ence, and not a sign of war or strife to be observed. All 
seemed to be at peace on board of that craft ; yet Captain 
Pooduck was a Yankee, and not to be caught by a fair 
exterior. 

“ Keep her off two points,” said the master of the Pet 
to the man at the wheel. 

By altering our course, we headed in the same direction 
as the stranger, so that she could not cross our bows or 
near us without edging away. 

We were not more than five miles apart, the stranger 
to the windward, a little forward of our beam, and appar- 
ently disposed to remain in that position, although we 
could teU by the bearings that we were gradually draw- 
ing ahead of the lead-colored craft, and that we sailed 
nearly three knots to his two, while we had only our fore 
and aft sails, and our foretopsail set. 

“ Not a single port-hole to seen,” muttered Captain 
Pooduck, as he once more put the glass to Ids eye. “ Con- 
found him ! if it is a Yankee gunboat, he is well disguised. 
Only half a dozen men on deck, and some of ’em in red 
shirts. That don’t look much like a man-of-war, — does 
it, Mr. Barnwell ? ” 

Since Mrs. Gowen, the rich Southern heiress, had taken 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 135 

me under her protection, the master of the Pet had grown 
very attentive and polite. 

“ Uncle Sam would not tolerate red shirts even if his 
men were freezing,” was my answer, although I knew 
very well that the lead-colored craft was a Yankee cruiser, 
disguised as a blockade runner. 

“Show him our buntin’,” Pooduck remarked to the 
mate ; and up to the peak went an English flag, while at 
the same time the stranger showed similar colors. 

“ Hang him ! now I know he’s a cheat,” muttered Poo- 
duck ; yet there were many on board who thought the 
captain mistaken, and con^nded that one of our gunboats 
would not dare to display the Cross of St. George unless 
authorized ; which precious nonsense the master of the Pet 
treated with the most perfect contempt. 

“ Do, Mr. Barnwell, put an end to this dispute,” Mrs. 
Gowen remarked, as she laid one of her hands on my arm. 
“ Come, you are a sailor, and should know the character 
of yonder fellow. Oblige me by giving an opinion.” 

“ But I am too weak to climb the rigging, or look through 
a glass.” 

“ True. I am selfish. I had forgotten your injured 
head.” 

At this moment my eyes fell on young Harry Bluff, 
who had shown me so much attention, and cared for me 
the night before. He was near the quarter-deck, and en- 
gaged in swabbing it dry, apparently paying not the least 
attention to the conversation that was taking place ; yet 
he could not have failed to have heard all that passed. 

As Mrs. Gowen spoke, Harry completed his task, and 
was about to leave the quarter-deck ; but as he walked 
forward, he gave me such a friendly, peculiar glance, that 
I could not help saying, — 

“ Harry, drop your swab, and take the glass aloft.” 

He threw the swab forward, seized the glass, and started 


136 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


up the main rigging as active as a monkey, while [ fol- 
lowed slowly so that I should not disturb my head, and 
set it to aching. 

Harry reached the cross-trees, handed me the glass, and 
then seated himself on the topgallant-yard, and chatted on 
matters and things in general, in his usual lively manner. 

The stranger was not more than four miles to the wind- 
ward, for he had edged away a little, and was now head- 
ing directly for Great Bahama Island, while our course 
was more to the westward, and would carry us between 
Florida and the Island. Land was in sight off our weather 
bow, and off our larboard beam, Abaco Island bearing 
about east-south-east, while off our larboard quarter were 
the little keys that helped form the Strait of Florida. 

While I was looking at the lead-colored steamer, Harry 
was at work on the gasket of the topgallant-sail ; and, 
through carelessness on his part, the bunt of the sail and 
the leash escaped from his hands, and shivered and slat- 
ted in the breeze, shaking the blocks and clew-lines so 
roughly that Captain Pooduck’s attention was attracted, 
and so was mine. 

It was one of the secret signals of Federal service^ and 
the shaking of that sail was intended to convey valuable in- 
formation to Uncle Sam^s JSfavy, 

But I did not have time to speak or draw conclusions, 
for the sharp, fierce voice oS| Pooduck was heard from 
the quarter-deck, shouting, — 

“ What do you mean by taking the gasket off that ’ere 
sail ? Who told you to do that ? ” 

“ Sir ? ” answered Harry, letting the sail flap for the 
purpose of paying proper respect to the quarter-deck. 

“ What did you cast that sail adrift for?” the master 
of the Pet yelled. 

I didn’t do it. The gasket was all chafed, and when 
I attempted to secure it, parted.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


137 


And as Harry spoke, he commenced gathering up the 
fluttering canvas, and stowing it on the yard, and then 
suddenly releasing, shouting to those on deck, — 

“ Sheet home ! ” just as though he had received orders 
to once more loosen the sail. 

The rage of Captain Pooduck was frightful, and not 
even the presence of Mrs. Gowen was sufficient to pre- 
vent him from uttering some very original oaths. 

“ Come down, you lubber ! ” yelled Pooduck, “ or I’ll 
shoot you where you are.” 

“Why, didn’t you order me to let the sail drop?” 
asked Harry, with an expression of genuine terror such iis 
I did not think he could show. “ I understood you to 
say let it go. Mr. Barnwell, in the cross-trees, he heard 
you say so too, — didn’t you, Mr. Barnwell ? ” 

In the mean time the sail was flapping in the fresh morn- 
ing breeze, and the sharp eyes on board the United States 
cruiser could not help noticing the signal, and understand- 
ing it, while Captain Pooduck and his mate were abusing 
the tarry toplights of Harry, and then turned and abused 
his eyes by the way of variety. 

“ They’re having a jolly time on deck,” Harry re- 
marked, as^e looked down at the raging officers. “I 
’opes, Mr. Barnwell, they won’t turn that Blakely gun on 
us what they carries amidship. They seems more than 
half inclined to do so.” 

“ Main-topmast cross-trees,” yelled Pooduck. 

“ Sir,” replied Harry. 

“ What are you doing with that sail? ” 

“ Nothin’, sir. I’m waitin’ to see what you wants done 
with it.” 

“ Then overhaul the clew-lines. Sheet it home, men I 
I’ll settle with that fellow when he lays down.” 

“ Well, Mr. Barnwell, I s’pose I’ll catch it,” remarked 
young Bluff, after the sail was sheeted home, and the yard 
10 


138 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADfi. 


hoisted. “I don’t relish a pounding at the hands of 
such a slab-sided Yankee ; so I hope you wiA stand my 
friend.” 

“Yes, I’ll do that, of course ; and, if I can’t ward off 
the danger. I’ll get the lady to try her hand. Here, take 
the glass. I have squinted long enough at that Quaker- 
looking gentleman.” 

“And what do j^ou make of him ? ” 

“ O, it’s one of Uncle Sam’s cruisers, I suppose.” 

The boy’s face flushed, and I thought he looked a httle 
disappointed. But he soon rallied, and continued, with 
affected carelessness, “ Well, she’s a slow old tub, at any 
rate, and we can move two fathoms to her one. There’s 
no fear of her dropping alongside of us — is there ? ” 

“hTo ; I should think not. We are leaving her every 
moment.” 

Then, just as I was aboutTa move from the cross-trees, 
I looked in the young fellow’s face, and remarked, — 
“How does it happen that you can talk grammatically, 
all ship-shape and Bristol fashion, at one moment, and the 
next you bring out the fo’castle lingo in lively style? 
Come ! overhaul your thinking log, and you’ll find that 
my position is correct.” 

The young fellow laughed, blushed a little, but did not 
hesitate long before he said, — 

“ Well, the fact of it is, Mr. Barnwell, I’ve seen better 
da3^s. Family misfortunes drove me to sea. Poverty is a 
great curse, sir ; and my father was afflicted with it : so I 
undertook to earn my own living, and here I am. That’s 
the reason I uses one kind of lingo at one time, and an- 
other kind of lingo when I’m in the fo’castle. There’s 
nothing wrong in it, is there, sir ?” 

“No, my lad ; but some people might suspect you of 
being above your station, unless they understood all the 
circumstances of your life.” . 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 139 

With thQse words of caution I left the cross-trees, and 
descended to the deck, Harry following me. 

“ Well,” asked Poodiick, “ what do you think of her ? ’ 

I was just as well aware that Pooduck knew the 
stranger was a Federal cruiser, as if he had told me his 
secret thoughts ; so I considered it useless to disguise my 
real opinions, and suffer in the estimation of the master of 
the Pet. In answer to the question, I said, — 

“ O, the fellow is Yankee all over, from keel to truck ; 
but we can laugh at him, for we have heels and he has 
none.” 

“ Jist as I thought,” he said. “ Keep her off a p’int ; ” 
to the man at the wheel. “ Well see if he wants to fol- 
low us to the Gulf of Florida. 

The lead-colored cruiser did not seem disposed to take 
further notice of us, for she kept on her course, and grad- 
ually dropped off the quarter ; but there she hung, neither 
gaining nor losing, the whole of the forenoon. This puz- 
zled Captain Pooduck and myself ; but we settled the 
matter by agreeing that the gunboat must have a favora- 
ble current, while we were compelled to stem it, and that 
the difference was equal to two knots per hour. 

But long before such conclusions were arrived at, Harry 
Bluff had been pardoned by the captain, at my solicitation , 
the mistake being explained, and the passengers were sum- 
moned to breakfast. This meal consisted of regular hotel 
fare, — turtle from one of the sand-keys, fruit from Nas- 
sau, coffee from Java, and delicacies from Liverpool, where 
the Pet was partly owned. 

As none of the passengers were sea-sick, they did jus- 
tice to the good things on the table, and then adjourned 
to the deck, where they could smoke, talk treason, laugh at 
Uncle Sam’s slow-sailing gunboats, and indulge in dreams 
of the future Southern confederacy. 

As we arose from the table, Mrs. Gowen signalized that 


140 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. / 

/ 

she wanted me ; so I waited until the rest of the passen- 
gers had left the cabin. 

“ I want you to see my husband,” the lady said. “He 
desires to speak to you, and thank you for what you have 
done. His face is terrible ; but you will not see much of 
it, covered as it is with a plaster. John,” she continued, 
turning to a smart-looking mulatto, a servant and slave 
given to the lady by her father when she was married, — 
“tell your master that Mr. Barnwell is about to visit him.” 

The slave bowed, and entered a state-room. 

“ How did you dare to take that young fellow to Nas- 
sau ? ” I asked. “ D^d you not fear that he would leave 
you ? ” 

“ No ; John is a slave, but he would not take his free- 
dom if it were offered him. I have no fear of his leaving 
me. We were brought up together.” 

“Is it possible,” I thought, “ that I have seen one slave 
who has no aspirations for independence and freedom? 
Such must be the case ; for, if he had desired freedom, he 
would have taken it when on English ground.” 

I entered the state-room, and found the Scotch surgeon 
dressing the face of Mr. Gowen. The injured man put 
out his hand, and gave me a friendly welcome, and then 
said something complimentary; but his nerves were all 
unstrung, and he appeared little better than a wreck. 
I went on deck, and took a survey of the situation. We 
were steaming through the Northwest Channel, with Ber- 
ry Island and Stirrup Key off the larboard quarter, and 
the Great Bahama off the starboard bow, while the head 
of the Pet was pointed in the direction of Florida, — 
Captain Pooduck preferring to take this exposed and open 
course to running close to the Keys, on account of the 
Federal gunboats, which cut off the usual route, or at least 
rendered it more dangerous than when simple merchant- 
men were in sight. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


141 


“You see/’ says the master of the Pet, “ that we steam 
three knots to the Yankee’s one. By to-morrow mornin 
she’ll be out of sight.” 

Mrs. Go wen came on deck just at this moment, with a 
smile on her face and a dangerous light in her eves ; I 
knew she was bent on mischief. But the nature of that 
mischief I could only guess ; for as I approached her, she 
whispered, — 

“Leave me with that odious, renegade Yankee a short 
time, for I want to pump him, and learn how it happens 
that you are on board.” 

I informed her that she would confer a great favor on 
me if she could obtain the truth ; and then I left her to 
beguile the skipper by her blandishments and smiles, 
while I went forward to smoke a cigar, and make friends 
with some of the passengers. 

There were ten of them. One was a gentleman who 
had just returned from Europe loaded with despatches for 
the Southern Confederacy. He talked loud, and swore 
the new republic would be acknowledged in less than two 
months by both France and England, and that those na- 
tions would combine to break the blockade. 

In the course of an hour or less. Captain Pooduck con- 
cluded his conversation with Mrs. Go wen, and went to 
his state-room to look at his charts and take a dose of whis- 
key, of which he was rather fond. As soon as he had 
left the deck, I hastened to join the lady, whose eyes wel- 
comed me as I took a seat by her side. . 

“Now,” she said, “I can tell you all that the master 
imparted to me. Listen and wonder at what I relate. It 
seems that Colonel Rhett had some grudge against you, 
or else fancied that he had. At any rate, he met Captain 
Pooduck last evening on board of this vessel, and informed 
him that you were a man the confederacy wanted at home, 
and that a hundred bales of cotton would be given to 


142 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the person who delivered you to any Southern provost- 
marshal. Then he bargained that Captain Pooduck should 
take charge of you, and give you up on arriving at Wil- 
mington. When the trade was concluded, the parties 
went on shore to find you, and concoct some scheme for 
inducing you to visit the Pet. Fortune favored them ; 
for just as they landed, the colonel, who was disguised, 
saw you on the beach, and knew you in spite of your 
sailor clothes. They altered their plan in an instant. One 
of the sailors was sent to strike you senseless with a slung- 
shot, and the villain performed the work to jthe satisfac- 
tion of those who watched the result.” 

“ I hope I shall live long enough to pay the gentle- 
men for their attention,” I remarked. 

“ I hope you will,” was the reply. “ Count on me to 
assist you.” Then she continued : “ While you were in- 
sensible, the captain ordered that you should be taken on 
board the Pet, and placed in the forecastle as one of the 
crew ; and there you would have remained until the ves- 
sel reached port had I not been on board. The captain 
knows that I have influence, and he dare not offend me. 
But I am thankful that I saved you some rough treat- 
ment : and that’s the end of my story. Now what do you 
think of such rascality ? ” 

“ I think that Colonel Ehett and Captain Pooduck will 
one day repent of their share in the transaction.” 

“ But why should that boasting Virginia colonel plot 
against you ? ” 

“ Because I detected him stealing on board the Growler.” 

“ What I one of the first families of Virginia? ” and the 
lady laughed. “ I knew some were mean enough for most 
anything, but I supposed they were sufficiently shrewd to 
escape detection when thieving.” 

I then explained why Rhett did not like me, and the 
lady was astonished at what I said ; and in talking and 


RUNNING TKE BLOCKADE. 


143 


laaghing, reading and smoking, the first day on board the 
Pet passed off rapidly, and at night we saw the Great- 
Isaac Light, while the Federal gunboat, at eight o’clock, 
was more than five miles astern, but still holding her own 
in a wonderful manner. 

CHAPTER V. 

THE CHASE. — A SIGNAL. — A RESPONSE. — A SURPRISED 
MASTER. — AN APPARITION. — MORE TROUBLE FOR 
THE PET. — THREE MORE STEAMERS IN SIGHT. — POO- 
DUCK’s blood is up. — A MEETING. — A TIGHT SPOT. 
— A PRIZE TO THE STINGEREE. — A BLUFF CAPTAIN. — 
A SURPRISE. — HARRY AND OLD BEN IN NEW PARTS. 

As soon as night set in, the captain of the blockade 
runner commenced making preparations for throwing the 
Federal gunboat off the track ; and to do this it was 
necessary that all our lights should be extinguished, and 
the course of the vessel changed. 

“ I needn’t tell you that I is bound for Wilmington,” 
said the captain, as we walked the deck after the lights 
were all extinguished but the one in the binnacle, and 
that so screened that its rays could not be reflected. “ It 
can do no harm to let out that much. I has a valuable 
cargo under hatches, and if I runs it in my fortune’s 
made ; so you see I has no wish to take risks. In the 
mornin’ we shall be clear of that fellow what is astern, 
burnin’ out coal for no use at all, ’cos we can out-steam him 
as easy as rollin’ off a log.” 

Just at this instant the chase threw up a rocket, that 
burst after it was many fathoms above the water, and 
showed hundreds of green stars in all directions 


144 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ What in the deuce does that mean ? ” demanded Cap- 
tain Pooduck. 

The question was one that I could not answer ; so re- 
mained silent when the captain spoke, and pretended to 
be as much surprised as he was. 

“ Can the chap mean that he wants to spe.ak us,” con 
tinued Pooduck. “ He must be green if he thinks I’m 
goin’ to allow myself to be drawn under the range of hia 
guns.” 

Just at this moment, while the captain was indulging in 
a quiet chuckle at the thought of such stupidity, we 
heard a whizzing sound, and then a bright light flashed 
over the deck, and away up in the heavens sped a red- 
colored rocket, with sparkles that resembled drops of 
blood. 

Some one on board the Pet had answered the signal of 
the Federal gunboat. 

For a moment Captain Pooduck was speechless with as- 
tonishment. He could hardly believe his eyes or his ears ; 
but, as the light of the rocket faded away, he recovered 
his senses, and, drawing a revolver from his breast, rushed 
forward to shoot the man who had dared to answer the 
gunboat’s signal. 

‘‘ Who did that ? ” he demanded in a loud tone. 

No one answered the question. The men were appar- 
ently as much astonished as Captain Pooduck. I feared 
that my young friend Harry Bluff had committed the act, 
and, if detected, I knew that I could not save him this 
time ; but as I glanced around the deck, I saw the dashing 
and reckless little sailor curled up on the fore hatch, his 
head on a huge coil of rope, and apparently sound asleep. 

“ Who sent up that ’ere rocket ? ” again yelled Poo- 
duck ; and he flourished his revolver in so nervous and 
reckless a manner, that I feared he would shoot the first 
one who spoke. But all the men clustered on the fore* 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


145 


castle and around the fore hatch seemed as much astonished 
as the master of the vessel ; and one old salt, a grizzly 
fellow with a red nose and a hard and weather-beaten 
countenance, ♦ grunted out, — 

“We don’t know who sent that ’ere rocket up; but I 
knows if I could pick him out, he would walk a plank 
in short order.” 

“Haven’t you any idea who sent it up?” Pooduck 
asked, still trembling with rage and fear lest some one 
should escape his vengeance. 

“ No, sir,” old Ben replied. “ I was at anchor here on 
the windlass, and Jimkins was spinnin’ a yarn about the 
last trip he made with yer, when all at once we heard a 
whiz and whirl, and up went the rocket.” 

“ Turn up the hands I ” cried Pooduck. “ Turn up the 
hands, Mr. Cringle,” addressing the mate, — a fat, red- 
faced Englishman, with a pair of shoulders like an ele- 
phant. “ Call every one of ’em, and let’s see what we 
can make out of it.” 

The starboard watch, which was turned in, mustered 
on deck ; and all of the larboard watch, excepting the 
lookout and the man at the wheel, was collected. Not a 
sailor was missing. Harry Bluff had been roused from his 
sleep on the fore hatch, and was as much surprised as the 
men who were below respecting the rocket. 

“ Well, men,” said Captain Pooduck, as soon as all 
hands were mustered, “ I have called you up to see if any 
of you knows anything about that rocket what was fired 
from the forecastle.” 

There was no response. 

“ We was snoozin’, sir,” at last the starboard watch re- 
sponded, with almost one voice ; “so we can’t know much 
about it.” 

“ That is true, sir,” old Ben said, touching his cap. 
“ They was all turned in, ’cos I’m sure of it, havin’ been 


146 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


in the house but a few minutes afore to light my pipe. 
At that time, sir, some of the chaps was snorin’ as though 
they was makin’ steam very fast, sir ; and as for the chaps 
on deck, there was Harry — he was calkin’ the fore 
hatch ; and Bob — he was on the lookout ; and the rest 
of us was spinnin’ yarns around the windlass. So I don’t 
think, sir, that any one for’ard did it ; and it’s my opinion, 
sir, that some one who belongs aft did the job. That’s 
what I thinks.” 

This was a stunning surmise, and it almost took away 
Pooduck’s breath. 

“ So none of you know anything of the matter ? ” the 
master said. 

Not one of the men would acknowledge that he could 
give the least information on the subject of the mysterious 
rocket ; and at length Pooduck turned to me, and asked 
me to walk aft a short distance. 

We talked the matter all over for half an hour, and 
then were unable to settle on any person in the cabin who 
would be likely to aid the Federals ; but at last we amved 
at the conclusion that one of the men had sent up the 
rocket merely for the fun of the thing, and not in the 
hope of warning the gunboat, or of signalizing to her our 
course. As soon as Captain Pooduck arrived at such a 
conclusion, in which I joined him of course, his mind was 
more at ease, and he could even laugh at the incident 
without displaying any temper. 

“ I must have frightened the scamps,” the master said, as 
he lighted a Cuba cigar, “ when I p’inted my pistol at ’em.” 

Hardly had these words passed the captain’s lips, when 
we again heard a familiar whiz, and then saw the pecu- 
liar light of a rocket. Up into the air it went, soaring 
until it burst and scattered stars in all directions ; and, as 
they fell towards the sea. Captain Pooduck awakened to 
the fact that signalizing by rockets was no longer a joke. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


147 


He uttered a terrible oath as be rushed forward in hopes 
of detecting the person who had dared to trifle with his 
orders. Mr. Cringle and I followed as fast as possible, 
and reached the forecastle just in time to find the master 
laying about with a rope’s end, hitting every head that 
he could reach and see, and swearing like a genuine Nassau 
pirate who had been disappointed in running the blockade. 
The sailors were not such fools as to stand and be pound- 
ed ; so they jumped out of the way with all the agility of 
young salts, and various were the remarks made at the un- 
expected assault. 

“ Blast my bloody eyes ! ” said Ben, who was on the 
topgallant forecastle, and had escaped the end of the rope. 
“But what does this mean ? Do you think that we are 
niggers, to be beat over the head in this way ? ” 

“ Rascals !” roared the master, “who sent up that 
rocket ? Tell me, or I’ll clap you all in irons. A hun- 
dred dollars for the name of the man what did it.” 

“ Avast a bit with the rope’s end, cap’n,” said Ben, and 
we’ll try and work the thing out by dead reckonin’, as we 
was doin’ when you comes for’ard.” 

The master dropped his rope and prepared to listen, 
although he was in a terrible rage, and could hardly keep 
BtiU long enough to hear what was offered. 

“ I tells you what it is, cap’n,” the old salt said, with an 
uneasy glance over his shoulder, as though fearful that he 
should see something, “ them ’ere rockets was not sent 
up by any of the Pet’s crew. No human hands done it, 
sir, I’m sure. Spirits, sir, is at work with us.” 

Sailors are superstitious, and always attribute to un- 
earthly agency matters for which they cannot account ; 
so I did not wonder that Pooduck for a moment was 
startled at the suggestion of the old salt. But the captain 
soon rallied. 

“ You fool I ” he shouted, “ ghosts don’t throw up rock» 


148 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


ets, and cut up like that. Ghosts ain’t such blamed fools 
That yarn won’t go down with me.” 

“Well, sir, perhaps not; but if people from the othei 
world didn’t do it, who did ? I has had my weather-eye 
upon all the watch, and I hasn’t seen none of the Pet’s 
crew figurin’ with rockets.” 

“ I don’t believe a blasted word of ghosts or spirits,” 
the master muttered. “ There’s some blamed spy on 
board, and he wants the gunboat to foller us all night. 
Now I tell you, men, that if I can lay my ten command- 
ments on him, he’ll never send up another rocket, or make 
another signal to a Yankee cruiser, you can bet on that.” 

“ Ah, sir I the works of spirits is wonderful,” murmured 
Ben, with another glance over his shoulder. “ I has 
been a sailor for twenty-five year, man and boy ; and I 
has seen some strange things in my time. I could tell 
you of matters what would make your hair stand right up 
on end, hke the bowsprit of a Dutch galliot, or a man- 
of-war’s yard a-cockbill.” 

“ Shut up, you blasted fool ! ” roared the master, who 
saw that the crew were becoming affected with Ben’s 
superstition. “ All the spirits what you ever saw were in 
a tin pot or a black bottle.” 

“ Yes, sir ; but I’ve seen some come right out of their 
hammocks, arter they had been sewed up and launched 
overboard with a round shot at their feet. I knowed one 
— she was the wife of Bill Birch, a marine what was on 
board the Asia, — a eighty-gun ship, sir, — and she was 
buried in a coffin on ^hore, all shipshape, as the land lubbers 
do that kind of things; She was a good and pious woman, 
sir, and used to take on bad when Bill swiped it rather 
rough ; and arter she was dead, she’d come to him all in 
her coffin, and tell him what she thought of him ; and 
once or twice, when he cut up bad, she appeared to him, 
and scratched his face with her ten commandments ; and 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 149 

when Bill got over his horrors, he used to tell just how 
she worked him, and how she looked.” 

Before any one could speak, Harry Bluff, who seemed 
to take much interest in the yarn which Ben had spun, 
suddenly looked over his shoulder, and exclaimed, with 
chattering teeth, “ What’s that ? ” 

All eyes were turned in the direction of the heel of the 
bowsprit, where Harry pointed. 

Slowly, and with many ominous motions of head and 
arms, a tall, white figure arose in the very eyes of the 
steamer, apparently depending upon one of the catheads 
for a foothold ; and there it rested for a second or two, 
and then vanished, disappearing as suddenly as though it 
had fallen overboard. 

With wild cries of alarm all rushed aft. Captain Pooduck 
was borne by the rush to the quarter-deck ,* and when I 
joined him there, I saw that he was as much puzzled at 
what had occurred as any man on board, although he had 
too much Yankee common sense to believe that a ghost had 
visited the Pet, even if it had frightened all hands into 
convulsions. We made another search, but could not trace 
the source of the signals, or find the figure in white, so 
gave it up for the time. 

By six bells, or eleven o’clock at night, all the pas- 
sengers had turned in, leaving the deck to the watch. 
Tired, and rather weak from the effects of the wound on 
my head, I soon fell asleep, and remained unconscious till 
next morning, when I was awakened by a tremendous 
commotion on deck. The loud joar of Pooduck’s nasal 
tones, the slapping of canvas, the cries of the men as 
they pulled and hauled on ropes, — all convinced me that 
something unusual had occurred. I turned out, dressed 
as quickly as possible, and started for the deck. 

In the cabin I met John, the mulatto slave, with a cup 
of coffee in his hand, intended for his mistress or master. 


150 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ What’s the trouble on deck ? ” I asked the servant. 

“ Heap of trouble, sir,” was the grinning answer. “ No 
less than three strange steamers in sight, sir.” 

“ Well, that is no unusual occurrence,” I replied. 

“ No, sir ; but it happens that they are all heading for 
this vessel.” 

“ The deuce they are ! ” 

With this somewhat anxious expression, I went up the 
cabin steps, and found Pooduck raving like a madman, 
stopping every few minutes to look through his glass at 
the strange vessels. When he did this, he ceased swear- 
ing ; but being fully convinced that the three steamers 
were Union men-of-war, and that they were making great 
efforts to overhaul the Pet, his rage knew no bounds. 

There was a large gunboat not more than three miles 
astern of the Pet and, fi*om the rig of the craft, we had 
no doubt but that it was the one we had seen the day 
before. This was the first vessel Pooduck called my atten- 
tion to ; and he uttered rare oaths when he pointed to her. 

“ Look at the blasted Quaker,” he said, “ with her 
drab sides and cat-like air I We thought the Pet could 
steam three knots to her two ; but you see she has hung 
on to us aU night, and now she is doin’ her purtiest to 
come up to us.” 

It was evident that the gunboat was making an effort ; 
but the speed of the Pet had been tested in many a trial, 
and never found wanting ; so that, as far as the craft 
astern was concerned. Captain Pooduck had no great fear. 
But he did gnash his teeth, and swear oaths which I must 
not repeat, when he seized my arm, and told me to look in 
another direction. 

“ Blast ’em I ” he muttered, “ they have spread a net, 
and think they will make a haul ; but the Pet has heelsj 
and will show ’em what she can do.” 

He touched a bell, and signalized for more steam. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


151 


Soon a dense volume of smoke poured out of the stack, 
smelling strongly as though pitch had been thrown upon 
the fire to enable the engineer to comply with the 
demand. 

Pooduck then pointed to the southward and westward ; 
and there, just off our larboard-beam, was another steamer, 
— lead-colored, low in the water, clipper-looking, but 
appearing as demure as the fellow astern. 

“ This looks serious,” I remarked, as I examined the 
drab-colored gunboats, and noticed that dense volumes of 
smoke were issuing from their funnels. 

“I should think it did,” said Pooduck, in a dry tone. 
“ But, blast it ! that ain’t the worst. Look there ! ” 

In the direction indicated was a third steamer, — lead- 
colored like the rest, chpper-built, with three masts, and 
yards and sails, like a three-masted topsail schooner ; and 
this one was just ahead of us, lying apparently motionless, 
with no smoke issuing from her stack, and no white water 
near her paddle-wheels. She was under easy sail, and 
standing on the same course as ourselves. 

There was but one way to escape, or one way that 
promised hope of success. This was to furl all sail, 
crowd on steam, and dash through the line that enclosed 
us. There was a prospect that success would crown a 
bold effort ; but all would depend on the speed of the 
Pet. If she could steam three fathoms to the gunboats’ 
one, we might escape, unless a shot from a Parrott gun 
overhauled us, and damaged our machinery. 

On the other hand, if we edged away, we should run 
on a sand bank, and have the pleasui’e of being taken from 
the wreck by Uncle Sam’s officials ; and, as I wanted to 
put as much money in their pockets as possible, I advised 
the latter course. 

“ No, we’U have a race, and be darned to ’em I ” muttered 
Pooduck, as he touched the bell leading to the engine- 


152 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


room, and gave orders to the man at the wheel to star- 
board his helm so that the head of the Pet was pointed 
just astern of the steamer off our beam. 

The reader should bear in mind that the steamer astern 
was not more than three miles from us, while the one off 
the starboard beam was about five miles distant, and that 
we were to attempt passing between them. 

The Pet began to tremble as she was forced through the 
water under a full head of steam. She moved so fast that 
sometimes she did not have a chance to rise when a heavy 
swell met her, but ploughed right through it, splitting the 
wave like a wedge, and flooding the deck with water. 

“Now we move,” said Popduck, and a cold smile passed 
over his haggard face. “ 1 think we shall do the trick.’ ^ 

In fact there did seem a prospect that such would be 
the case, for the gunboats did not appear to notice the 
change, but kept on their course; but hardly had the 
smile passed from the master’s face, before I saw the 
steamer to the windward of us wear short round, turning 
on her heel like a marine on parade, and then point her 
nose so as to cross our bows, while the craft that was astern 
vomited a cloud of black smoke, and then luffed up some 
six points, rolled up her canvas as if by magic, braced her 
yards sharp up, started men aloft to send down topgal- 
lant yards and masts at the same time, and in five minutes 
all this work was accomplished, and the gunboat was 
standing along nearly the same course as ourselves. 

“ Cap’n,” said one of the hot-headed Southerners, the 
bearer of despatches to the confederates, all of his papers 
being in a lead box which he was to throw overboard if 
capture seemed imminent, “ do you mean to let the Yan- 
kees get us ? ’Cos, if you do, we want to understand it, 
that’s all.” 

“ O, go to the deuce I ” retorted the perplexed master. 
“ Don’t bother me at the present time.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


153 


“ But I mean to understand this ’ere thing. I have a 
sponsible position, and can’t afford to trust to the mere 
word of a doubted Yankee, — I can’t. I’m a Virginia 
gentleman, I am, and belong to one of the first families ; 
and you can’t come no Yankee trick on me.” 

Pooduck looked wild with rage, but self-interest kept 
him within bounds. He thought of the gold he was to 
gain by running the blockade ; so he submitted to the 
despatch-bearer’s insolence, in hope that it would soon 
end. 

We had run so close to the gunboats that we could 
make out their hull without the aid of a glass. It was 
evident that we could not pass between the two without 
receiving such a fire as would send us to the bottom in 
short order ; for the Union ships were nearing each other 
so rapidly, that, if we kept on, they would soon be within 
half a mile of us. I was delighted, as a matter of course, 
with the position of affairs, hoping that we should soon be 
captured; but I could not understand what Pooduck 
meant by being so rash ; and while I was silently wonder- 
ing, the rest of the passengers had urged the despatch- 
bearer to once more assail the master of the Pet. 

“Do you mean to betray us, sir ? Answer me that,” 
the Virginian cried, with all the arrogance that he could 
assume. 

Pooduck turned on the man like a wounded lion, all of 
his Maine blood boiling with rage and insulted dignity. He 
forgot the dreaded confederate government, his blockade- 
running profits, cotton and tobacco, and other articles that 
commanded high prices. 

“ You blamed Southern dog I ” the Yankee howled, 
and with one blow of his hard, bony fist struck the de- 
spatch-bearer ‘on the face, and down he fell, thumping 
the deck with his head, and leaving stains of blood on the 
white planks. 


154 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Curses on you, cowardly dog )” the Yankee renegade 
said ; and he spurned with his foot the body of the man 
lying before him. 

This was more than the chivaby could endure, and, true 
to their instincts, they thi’ust theb hands in their pock- 
ets, and produced revolvers and bowie-knives. They could 
not look on and see one of their number maltreated by a 
low, money-making blockade runner, who should be 
classed as one of the “ poor whites,’’ and therefore of no 
account. 

Let the gentleman alone,” the dark-eyed Southern- 
ers said, as they crowded towards Pooduck, weapons in 
hand. 

The master of the Pet did not shrink from the encoun- 
ter. He did not appear to take the least notice of the 
threatening attitude of the passengers, his whole attention 
and fury being concentrated on the prostrate man, the 
fellow who had dared to insult him on his quarter-deck in 
the presence of his crew. 

As the despatch-bearer, rather humbled, attempted to 
rise from the deck, Pooduck gave him a kick that sent 
him sprawbng once more ; and no sooner had he inflicted 
this last indignity upon the representative of one of the 
first families of Virginia, than one of the passengers, mad 
with rage, raised his revolver and fired, aiming at the 
captain’s head. 

The bullet whistled past the right ear of the daring 
Yankee ; but he did not even flinch. His blood was up, 
and he cared no more for the men who surrounded him 
than he would have cared for a party of mutinous sailors, 
all demanding more grub and less work. 

“ You miserable cowards I ” the master howled, “do you 
deal in murder, you sneaks ? Not bold enough to face a 
Yankee in line of battle, you must shoot at him when his 
back is turned, and when he has no weapon in his hands. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 155 

Wait a moment until I can send for a pair of revolvers, 
and then see how quick I will clear you out.” 

The master of the Pet had called to the steward to 
bring his revolver from his state-room, and then shouted 
to his mate, who was in the waist waiting for a call. 

“ Mr. Cringle, arm the crew with capstan-bars and hand- 
spikes, and send them aft. Be lively about it. We will 
see if these fellows are to take possession of the ship.” 

“Cut him down I Shoot him I ” were the cries heard 
from the passengers. 

I must confess that I expected the man would be killed 
before I could interfere ; and this I intended to do at the 
proper time, although I knew that each moment of delay 
was of vital importance if I desired to see the Pet captured 
by the Union gunboats. 

“ Put up your weapons,” I said, and walked into the 
midst of the crowd. 

Just as I spoke, the air was stirred by a loud report, and 
a hundred-pound Parrott shell burst just under the stern 
of the Pet, and threw water all over the quarter-deck. 

At the same moment, the crew, firemen and all, came 
tumbling aft, armed with pokers, handspikes, and capstan- 
bars ; and foremost among them were young Harry Bluff 
and old Ben the sailpr. 

“ Down with ’em I ” roared old Ben the grizzly, and 
flourished his capstan-bar as though he was handling a 
cutlass. 

“ Drive them over the traffrail, my bully boys I ” yelled 
Harry Bluff. “ Down with the traitors, and up with the 
flag.” 

I could not help laughing at the little fellow’s actions, 
he was so eager, fearless, and excited ; but I thought his 
words a little out of place in the midst of so many confeds. 

“ Avast there with yer noise,” growled old Ben to 
Harry, as though the young fellow needed a check. “ Don’t 


166 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


you take the word out of us able seamen’s mouths. We 
men must settle this muss.” 

I had thrown myself between the captain and the 
passengers, and thus far had kept them apart, and that was 
all ; but at the instant when it needed only a word 
from Pooduck to renew hostilities, and cover the deck 
with blood, a loud report startled us, and then a shell burst 
but a few fathoms from the starboard-beam of the Pet. 

I glanced at the two gunboats, and saw that they nearly 
had the range with their Parrott guns. We were running 
into a sack from which we could not extricate ourselves. 

Pooduck saw his danger in a moment. He had not 
calculated on the speed of the Union gunboats. They 
were faster than he had anticipated ; and, having a less 
distance to run than the Pet, were likely to reach the 
angle quite as soon. 

“ You fools 1 ” shouted the master. Do you see the 
jaws of the lion, and the teeth ready to crush you? ” 

The Southerners did look, and saw, without the aid of 
glasses, the American flag at the peak of the gunboats, 
fluttering gayly in the wind as though aware of its mission. 

Pistols and knives were concealed in a hasty manner, 
and the Southerners shook and turned pale at their danger. 
All thoughts of vengeance had disappeared from their 
minds, and now they only desired tb be kept from the 
rude grasp of the Federal authorities. 

“ Save us I ” they cried in chorus. 

“ Into the cabin with you ! ” roared the master of the 
Pet. “ Leave the deck to me and my men. That’s all I 
ax of you jist at this time. Go ! ” 

The terrified representatives of the South slunk into the 
cabin without a murmur. The Yankee renegade had 
triumphed over pride and passion. 

One more look did Pooduck cast at the gunboats. The 
oaptains of the latter were so certain of their prize, they 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


157 


now forbore firing at the blockade runner, fearful that the 
shot would injure her, and damage some of her cargo. The 
shrewd captains had an eye to prize-money. At that date 
the New York prize courts had not learned to take the 
oyster, and give the sailors the shells. That game was 
successfully played until beggars rode in carriages, and 
thieves were made rich. 

The master of the Pet placed his hand on the knob 
of the bell that led to the engine-room. He made the 
signal for more steam, at the same time waving his hand 
to the man at the wheel. The helm was put hard up, 
the head of the Pet was gracefully turned from the direc- 
tion in which she had been steered, and then steamed 
away in an exactly opposite course, so that the Union 
gunboats were enabled to look at the stern of the be- 
leaguered steamer instead of her bow. 

“Away aloft, men, and loose every rag. Be lively, lads ! 
It’s our only chance.” 

The men sprang into the rigging, and cast off gaskets 
and overhauled clew-lines and bunt-lines in a manner so 
truly man-of-war-ish that the Pet was covered with 
canvas in a short time, and we were bowling before the 
wind with all of the square-sails filled and doing good 
service. 

Then Captain Pooduck gave one glance at the Federal 
gunboats before he strode to the speaking-tube that com- 
municated with the engineers’ room. 

“ Crowd on all the steam that you can get ! ” he shouted. 
“ Keep down the safety-valve by fifty-sixes, pile rosin and 
tar in the furnaces, and, by thunder ! let her rip ! ” 

An answer was returned by a rush of black smoke, by 
the hissing of steam as it attempted to escape, by the 
increased speed of the Pet, and by the manner in which 
she trembled as she cut through the water, dividing the 
waves like a sharp knife. The gunboats had taken the 

C 


158 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


hint, and were after us with full head of steam, and with 
canvas spread wherever it could catch a breath of air. 

By standing on the course we had, we were the 
means of compelling the gunboats to near each other, 
thinking they were to cut us off ; and it was evident that 
the Federals had not the least idea that the Pet would 
wear round and show her stern, when she was almost 
under the guns of her foes, and when a broadside of well- 
directed shot would sink us. But Pooduck had calculated 
on the desire of the Federal officers for prize-money, and 
knew that they would not injure the hull of his steamer 
if there was any prospect of effecting her capture in any 
other manner. For a while we kept on our course with- 
out molestation, each craft being tested to the utmost 
for speed. For the first ten minutes there did not seem to 
be any difference in point of sailing ; but as our steam in- 
creased, and the engines got warmed up, I rather feared 
that we were leaving the gunboats, although I did not say 
so. But Pooduck soon made the same discovery, and 
rubbed his hands with satisfaction as he noted the result. 

“ Throw the log,” the master said to the mate, who was 
chewing tobacco at such a rate that it seemed as though his 
jaws were trying to keep pace with the revolutions of the 
wheels. 

Mr. Cringle called one of the lads to hold the reel, 
while the master held the second-glass. The log showed * 
that we were making fifteen knots an hour. 

The gunboats seemed to have discovered that we were 
moving rather fast, for one of them pitched a shell at us ; 
and over the steamer it went, and struck in the water, 
without exploding, some forty fathoms ahead of us. 

“ A good line-shot,” muttered Pooduck. “ A degree 
less elevation, and we should have been plugged.” 

Bang! went a gun from the other steamer; but the 
shell dropped astern, and was not even in range. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


159 


The gunboats were about two miles astern, straining 
boilers and engines to overhaul us ; but it seemed as though 
we must escape, unless some fortunate shot disabled our 
machinery ; for I did not believe that the United States 
owned a vessel that could move as lively as the Pet 
was then doing. 

I had just whispered as much to Mrs. Gowen, when 
young Harry Bluff came to the break of the quarter- 
deck, apparently to coil up a rope ; and while he was 
about it, the lad made a sign that he desired to speak 
with me. 

“ Mr. Barnwell,” he said in a whisper, as soon as I had 
joined him, “if you have any valuables, you had better 
stow them away about your person.” 

“Why?” 

“ Because, sir, in less than six bells, one of those gun- 
boats will be slap aboard of us.” 

“ Nonsense I We can out-steam them, and run back to 
Nassau. The Pet is too lively for Uncle Sam’s crafts.” 

“ Don’t you believe it, sir,” persisted Harry. “ The 
craft that is astern of us can sail as fast as we can. It is 
the Stingeree, sir ; and when they fire up under all her 
boilers, she will come up to us hand over hand. You will 
see, sir, shortly.” 

“ How do you know this, Harry ? ” 

The boy blushed and stammered for a moment, as though 
he haa nut thought that such a question might be put to 
him ; but at last he managed to explain. 

“ I have seen something of blockade running, sir, during 
the past six months,” he said ; “ and I know most of the 
Federal ships. I am familiar with all the slow tubs and 
the clipper steamers. Take my advice, and stow away all 
your private and valuable swag before Uncle Sam can clap 
bis paws on it.” 

~ “ Thank you, Harry, for the hint,” I remarked, with a 


160 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


laugh. “ But you know my condition when I came on 
board, and consequently can imagine that I am not possessed 
of many private effects.” 

“ But I didn’t know but you might have some papers,” 
linted the young fellow. 

“ Not a line.” 

Harry was about to go forward, when I laid a hand on 
his shoulder, and detained him. 

‘‘Look you, my lad, you mean well, I’ve no doubt, 
but you must be cautious how you warn people on this 
steamer. What are you, and who are you ? ” 

He smiled, as he answered, — 

“ One who has seen better days, sir.” 

“ Poor boy ! ” I answered ; “ I have no doubt of it.” 

I was just about leaving him to rejoin Mrs. Gowen, when 
old Ben, the red-nosed, called the lad, and in harsh tones 
scolded him for lingering near the quarter-deck, where he 
did not belong and had no business. 

“What did the young fellow want?” asked Mrs. Gowen. 

I told her, in confidence, what Harry had said to me. 

“ Do you believe it ? ” 

“ The lad was positive.” 

“Then I had better make preparations. We have ten 
thousand dollars in gold in our state-room. The Yankees 
shan’t have that. I’ll toss it overboard first.” 

“ Better stow it about your persons. The Federals won’t 
interfere with private property.” 

“ You don’t know them as well as I do. But I will take 
your advice. Come to our state-room, and assist us in con- 
cealing the treasure.” 

She led the way to the cabin ; but, just as I was leaving 
the quarter-deck, I saw the lead box which the confederate 
despatch-bearer had placed on one of the hen-coops, so 
that it would be handy to throw overboard in case the 
steamer was captured. It was not larger than my two 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


161 


fists ; but, small as it was, looked desirable, and I thought 
would form valuable additions to the literature of the Navy 
Department. 

I glanced over the deck to see if any one was regarding 
my motions. The master was watching the movements of 
the two strangers in chase, while the crew were discussing 
what they should do if captured. No one seemed to care 
for me. It was but the work of a moment. I seized the 
lead box, opened the door of the hen-coop, threw the val- 
uable prize in among the chickens, closed the door, and 
rejoined Mrs. Gowen. 

The cabin passengers were in a terrible state of alarm at 
the prospect of capture. Mr. Gowen said that he knew 
the Federals had no mercy, and that he was a marked man ; 
while the despatch-bearer felt of his throat as though dread- 
ing the touch of a hangman. Such a number of pallid 
faces I had never seen before on the water. 

“ Mrs. Gowen informs me,” the husband remarked, as I 
entered the state-room, and closed the door, “ that you 
will assist us in securing what little gold we have. You 
have already rendered us so much service that I fear to 
trespass on your kindness.” 

The gold was removed from a trunk, and stowed about 
our persons ; and, after we had accomplished that part of 
our business, I went on deck, and took another glance at 
the pursuing gunboats. 

I could no longer doubt that the Pet had found her 
match in sailing and steaming. All three gunboats were in 
pursuit ; and, in spite of our most desperate efforts, we 
could not throw them off, as anticipated. They held their 
own, and even gained on us, — the Stingeree leading her 
consorts in the race. 

In the mean time, the breeze which had blown quite 
strong gradually died away. This was favorable for 
the Pet ; as she did not spread as much canvas as the 


162 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


gunboats, and the latter had spread every rag, and even 
wet the sails to catch every breath ; but, now that the 
wind had died away, we noticed that we held our own, 
and I feared would escape. 

Pooduck began to rub his hands when he found there 
was still a chance for him. 

“ If I can only edge away from ’em till I get in sight 
of neutral shore,” the master said. “ A few more hours, 
and we’ll be in English waters ; and then we’U dare the 
Yankees to take us.” 

As though the commander of the Stingeree had heard 
the words, and was ready to show that he knew a trick 
worth half a dozen such as Pooduck had planned, he gave 
us a shot that fell a few fathoms off our starboard-beam, 
and even thi’ew several buckets of water on our deck. 

“ JIarnwell,” the master said, them ’ere fellers is in 
earnest.” 

“ I sfiould think so,” I replied. 

I saw the smoke of a gun from the Stingeree, and 
then a dull, heavy report, and directly over our heads was ■ 
a whizzing sound, _and then a sharp crack, and on our 
deck were scattered two or three pieces of shell, tearing up 
the wood-work, and creating much consternation. 

Mrs. Gowen was the first one to leave the cabin after 
the shell had burst over us. ^ 

“ Are you hurt ? ” she demanded in a tone of alarm. 

Then come out of danger. Do not remain oii deck. 
My husband wants you to do so.” 

Even before she had finished her remarks, the confederate 
despatch-bearer rushed on deck, looking terribly excited. 

“ Give up the ship I ” he yelled. “ I order you to sur- 
render. You will sink us, and every person will lose his 
life. I shall lose mine, and it’s worth a dozen vessels like 
this. Where are my despatches ? Stop the engine.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


163 


Pooduck turned on the man, seized him by the shoul- 
ders, and with a vigorous kick sent him flying off the 
quarter-deck. He struck on his hands and feet, crawled 
to the cabin-door, and disappeared, too much frightened to 
utter one word about despatches or his lead box. Some 
of the crew laughed at the display which the fellow 
made ; but before they had time to laugh long, another 
shell btfrst over our heads, sending every one to cover, 
tearing through the deck, chipping a piece of wood out 
of the foremast, cutting some of the ropes, and caus- 
ing the men to lose all heart and hope of escape ; for as 
soon as the pieces of shell had performed their allotted 
parts, the crew, headed by old Ben, came surging aft to 
remonstrate with the master against any further re- 
sistance. 

“ Cap’n Pooduck,” said old Ben, who appeared to be 
the spokesman of the crew, “we don’t think it’s any use 
to hold out ail}’’ longer. If we does, we shall go to the 
deuce, or Dav}^ Jones’s locker, in less time than it takes to 
stow a stay-sail in a net.” 

The master of the Pet looked at the crew for one mo- 
ment, and then he put his hand in his breast, and produced 
a revolver, which he deliberately cocked, and pointed at 
the sailors. 

“ Men,” he said, “ as long as I have life. I’ll command 
the Pet;, and surrender when I please, and do as I please. 
Go forward, and attend to your duty, and 111 attend to 
mine. Move ! ” 

The crew hesitated, and some of them shrank back, as 
though fearing to face a revolver ; but, as I glanced over 
the line of sailors, I saw that old Ben and Harry Bluff 
maintained their positions, and did not quail at the sight 
of the weapon. They acted as though they had seen such 
things before. 

During that moment of hesitation, the Stingeree once 


164 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


more ventured on a shot from her midship-gun. The 
shell burst just over the stern of the Pet, and one of the 
pieces passed over the quarter-deck, striking Pooduck in 
the back, and then, glancing and cutting one of the 
shrouds of the main rigging, dropped into the water with- 
out further damage. As Pooduck fell, he managed to 
gasp out, — 

“ Pile on more steam. Don’t give up.” 

Two of the mates ran to pick the master up. Already 
were the planks stained with his blood ; and, as the offi- 
cers of the steamer raised him, I saw a gaping wound just 
below the shoulder-blade, where the piece of shell had 
torn out flesh and muscle, pieces of bone and strong sinews. 
The poor fellow did not again speak, although he made 
one or two attempts to do so, as though even in tlie 
agonies of death he had some thought to save the steamer. 

At that instant there was a sudden jar of the machinery 
of the Pet, a crash as though some of the iron work had 
gone through the bottom, and then the paddle-wheels 
ceased their motion, and the steamer was at the mercy of 
the gunboats. 

“ What is the matter ? ” I asked. 

Some traitor has played a trick with the machinery,” 
one of the Southerners replied. “ An iron bolt has been 
thrown among the works, and the result is a smash.” 

“ Do the engineers know who did it ? ” 

“ No ; and we have no time to investigate. See, the 
blamed Yankee is within half a mile of us. Escape now is 
impossible.” 

“ Mr. Barnwell,” said Cringle the mate, with a peculiar 
hitch of his trousers, “ I’ll surrender the command up to 
you, if you’U take charge.” 

“ No, I thank you,” I replied. “ I have no desire for a 
trip North.” 

The mate looked glum enough ; but, not satisfied with 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


165 


my refusal, he attempted to induce one or two others to 
assume the command, but none of them would listen to 
the suggestion ; and by the time poor Cringle had made 
up his mind that he would have to take the responsibility, 
the Stingeree, Captain Switchell, was close off our star- 
board-quarter, and the gallant Switchell himself standing 
on the hammock nettings, trumpet in hand, hailing us. 

“ What is the name of that steamer ? ” the captain 
asked in a stern tone. 

“ She hain’t got any name,” answered Cringle, and, 
as he spoke, he dropped a box overboard, which sank im- 
mediately. 

The action did not escape the sharp eyes of Captain 
Switchell. 

“ I suppose you have just thrown all your papers over- 
board. But that will not avail you. I know you, and all 
about you ; and I can tell just how many boxes of rifles, 
how many bales of cloth, how many casks of liquor, and 
how much powder you have on board. But where is the 
master of the Pet ? Where is Pooduck ? ” 

“ He is dead, sir. One of your shells tore his back all 
to pieces.” 

“ Indeed ? ” with an air of the most supreme indiffer- 
ence. “ I thought he would live long enough to be hanged 
as a pirate.” 

The captain waved his trumpet, and then the first- 
cutter was piped away, and pulled towards us, with three 
armed officers in the stern-sheets, and eight seamen, with 
cutlasses and navy revolvers in their belts. 

The boat came alongside, and the officers touched their 
caps as they reached the deck, and bowed low when their 
eyes fell upon Mrs. Gowen, who was leaning on my arm, 
her curiosity overcoming her repugnance at the sight of 
Yankees. The officers were astonished and delighted at 
ft vision of so much female loveliness ; but their polite- 


166 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


ness and low bows did not soften the heart of the Geor- 
gia beauty, and not even a gracious nod of her t tately 
head welcomed the enemies of the so-called Southern Con- 
federacy. 

“ One thing,” I whispered to the lady. “ Do not lisp 
that I belong to the confederate navy. If you do, 1 shall 
be held as a prisoner of war.” 

She pressed my hand to show that she understood ; and 
then her dark, expressive eyes followed the movements 
of the Yankee officers with some curiosity, mixed with a 
little share of disdain, that added much to her peculiar 
style of beauty. 

“ Gentlemen,” said one of the officers, a smart-looking 
young fellow, — a lieutenanl;, so his shoulder-straps denot- 
ed, — “I am happy to inform you that your vessel is a 
prize to the United States steamer Stingeree, Captain 
Switchell.” 

“ But are we prisoners ? ’’ demanded some of the most 
rabid passengers. 

“ For the present you are. If any of you belong to 
the confederate army or navy, you will be likely to go 
North ; but if you are all civilians, I have no doubt but 
Captain Switchell will land you on some of the keys, 
so that you can get home before the war closes. Lieu- 
tenant Barnwell, of the confederate navy, you will please 
report on board the Stingeree to Captain Switchell.” 

“ Who gives me that rank? ” I asked. 

“ I do,” answered one of the passengers, — a mean 
little fellow from North Carolina. “ You are known on 
board as a confederate naval officer ; and there is no use 
denying that you are on your way to Richmond to take 
charge of a ship.” 

That will do,” responded the lieutenant. ' “ I see that 
Mr. Barnwell and I understand each other. Now for 
the information you can pocket a hundred dollars in gold. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


167 


Here men, push ofiP, and bring back wbat help I want as 
quickly as possible, or we shall have the crews of the 
Bouncer and the Bally whack on board; and if once they 
step foot on deck, it is precious little prize-money we shall 
make.’’ 

Captain Switchell, of the Stingeree, was walking his 
quarter-deck, and mentally cursing the two gunboats 
which were steaming towards him. He received me on 
board with a scowl and the following salute : — 

“ Who are you, sir ? A rabid rebel, I know. Don’t 
answer me, sir ; I can see it in your looks. Now, sir, 
what were you sent on board for? No evasion, sir.” 

I was about to make a reply, but just at that moment 
the lieutenant on board the Pet hailed us. 

“ Captain Switchell, that gentleman, I am told, is a 
confederate lieutenant ; and he was on l^is way to Rich- 
mond. One of the passengers gave me the information.” 

“ Ah I ” growled the captain, in a tone like that of a 
huge sea-lion, “ I suspected it all along.” 

The captain glared at me as though he was debating 
what punishment he should inflict. But I looked him full 
in the eye, and raising one of my hands, made a certain 
sign. 

“ Eh ? what ? ” demanded the captain ; and he rubbed 
his little gray eyes in astonishment and bewilderment. 

I still looked at him, and waited for an answering sig- 
nal. At last it came, but in such a manner that it proved 
to me the captain was almost inclined to believe I had made 
a mistake, and blundered on one of the secret-service 
signals. 

I gave the second signal promptly, and then the cap- 
tain’s face was a study. 

“ Blast it I who are you ? ” he asked, in a whisper. 

As he spoke, he came a step or two nearer, scanning me 
closely. 


168 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Perhaps we had better retire to your cabin/’ I re- 
marked, “ and have a little conversation in private.” 

“ Yes, we will.” 

** But,” I continued, “ you must recollect that I am a 
rebel.” 

“ Why, didn’t you just give me two of the secret signs ^ 
This beats all my wife’s relations. Blast me if I know 
what you mean I ” 

“ Understand me. Captain Switchell,” I said. “ To 
you I am a Union man, and an officer of the United States 
Navy ; but to all others, I am a rebel.” 

“ Ah ! I understand you now, my heart}^” he said, his 
countenance clearing up. “You have more work on 
hand?” 

“ Yes ; and you must help me do it.” 

“ Of course. I will put myself out to give you a lift- 
ing hand.” 

The captain led the way to his cabin, and the first thing 
my eyes rested upon, after entering, was the lead despatch- 
box which I had secreted in the hen-coop, and missed when 
I went to look for it. 

“Halloo! ” I said, “here is something that has turned 
up most unexpectedly. I thought to place this in your 
hands.” 

“ Well, it’s all right, I suppose ; but you see some one 
got to the wind’ard of you,” chuckled the captain. 

Seeing that I still looked mystified, the captain touched 
a bell, and the steward made his appearance. 

“ Request Mr. Swivel and Mr. Reefpoint to come here,” 
the captain said. 

In a few minutes two officers in uniform entered the 
cabin, and I had no difficulty in recognizing both faces. 
One belonged to the frank, good-looking Harry Bluff, 
and the other represented the weather-beaten features of 
old Ben, red nose and all. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


169 


“This is Mr. Swivel, the master’s-mate of the Stin- 
geree,” the captain said, nodding to the one I had known 
as Ben. “ And this young gentleman is one of my mid^ 
shipmen — Mr. Reefpoint; although for the past few 
weeks he has been known as Harry Bluff — an English 
lad, a hater of the Yankees, and all that.” 

I must confess that I was taken all aback, as the sailors 
say, at the introduction. I had suspected that Harry 
Bluff was not so rabid a confederate as he wished people 
to think ; but that he was a United States officer had 
never entered my mind ; and now, when he stood before 
me in uniform, with his laughing eyes and smiling face, 
I could readily understand how it happened that he talked 
grammatically at one time, and forecastle lingo the next. 

“ You are a little surprised ? ” asked Captain Switchell. 

“ Yes ; I confess it.” 

“ Perhaps the gentleman was more surprised when he 
seed the rockets go up last night,” said the master’s-mate, 
with a grin that lighted up his mahogany face for a mo 
ment, and even made it look interesting. 

“ Captain Switchell,” I cried, “ I wish to thank this 
young gentleman for his kindness ” (and I laid my hand 
on the midshipman’s shoulder) “to me when I was taken 
on board the Pet in an insensible condition. I really 
wish you would recommend him for promotion.” 

“Well, I will; but I have some thoughts of sending 
him off on another trip. How would you like it, Mr. 
Reefpoint? ” 

“ If you think I had better go, sir, I am ready,” was 
the modest answer. 

“Well, I’ll think of the matter. Keep out of sight 
for the present, and put on your sailor togs. Don’t let 
the people on the Pet suspect who you are.” 

“ But have you no fear that this gentleman will know 

too much ? ” — and the young rogue pointed to me. 

12 


170 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ O, no. He won’t blab.” 

“ The Bouncer and the Bally whack are nearly along- 
side, sir,” reported the officer of the deck. 

“ I’ll be up in a minute. Now, Mr. Constant, what have 
you to say about your future operations ? ” 

We were alone in the cabin, for the master’s-mate and 
the midshipman had gone on deck. 

“Simply that you must land me, and two or three 
whom I shall designate, at Nassau, while the rest of the 
people on board the Pet had better make a journey North, 
and await the pleasure of the government.” 

“Well, just designate whom you want for company, 
and I’ll set you on shore in the course of the week.” 

“ Thank you ; but you must be persuaded to adopt this 
course by the entreaties of a very handsome woman.” 

“ Humph ! I don’t understand you.” 

“ The lady thinks that I am a rebel. If she supposed 
that I was a Yankee, I should be treated like a dog. By 
her aid I can learn all that is worth learning in Nassau, or 
at any Southern port wliich ^I may stop. I shall teU 
her that I am a prisoner, and must go North. She will 
entreat of you to let me remain with herself and husband. 
After a little hesitation, you can consent.” . 

“ A married woman, is she ? ” 

“ Yes, sir, — a handsome one.” 

“ Bah ! you talk about beauty. You never saw my 
wife and daughter. Well, I’ll consent.” 

We went on deck, and found that the two gunboats 
were ranged alongside ; and after mutual congratulations, 
Captain Harnesscask — a stout, fat, tub-looking sailor — 
asked. 

“ I say, Captain Switchell, what will you do with 
her?” 

Captain Switchell was the senior captain, so had control 
of the prize. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


171 


“ Sfead her to New York, I think,” was the answer. 

“ Send her nothing,” was the blunt answer. “ I sent a 
schooner in there, loaded with molasses and sugar, sir, — 
think of th^ sir, — and, by jove, sir, if the sharks didn’t 
sell all, and brought me in debt to their infernal courts, 
sir.” 

“ Well, I think that we shall have to send her to Boston,” 
responded Captain Switchell. 

“ Boston and Philadelphia give a man a chance for his 
life. TheyNion’t take the oyster, and give you the shell ; 
but even in Boston they hanker like the deuce for poor 
Jack’s prize-money. But, halloo. Captain Switchell, you 
are to have a visitor, and a petticoat at that I ’’ 

The captain waved his trumpet, and we saw one of the 
cutters of the Stingeree leaving the Pet, with Mrs. Gowen 
in the stern-sheets. 

“ My eyes, but she’s a beauty I ” muttered the captain, 
who was looking at her through his glass. “ Almost as 
handsome as my wife and daughter. Pipe the side, Mr. 
Compass. We’U receive so handsome a woman with all 
the honors. It may soften her rebel heart to see that she 
is appreciated.” 

The side was piped, and up the steps came Mrs. Gowen, 
radiant in colors and beauty, causing the most profound 
admiration among the crew. 


172 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


CHAPTER VI. 

MBS. GOWEN AND THE CAPTAIN. — A SPECIAL PLEA. — 

A BELEASE. — HABBY BLUFF AND I JOIN FORCES. — 

A ROW AT NASSAU. — “ UP, STINGEBEES, AND AT ’EM.’' 

— A RECONCILIATION. I AM WELCOMED BY COLONEL 

BHETT. — A LITTLE QUESTIONING. — A CHANGE OF 

SCENE. 

Several of the officers stepped forward to assist her ; 
but the haughty woman waved them off, as though fearing 
they would soil her garments if they approached too near. 

“ I wish to speak with the captain of this steamer,” the 
lady said, in an impatient manner, as though she were 
addressing some of the slaves of her father’s plantation. 

With a firm step she walked towards the quarter-deck, 
Bifid said, — 

“ Captain, I wish to speak with you for a moment.” 

The rough old sailor’s cap was raised in an instant, and 
iie answered, gallantly, — 

“ I am proud to give some of my time and attention to 
so handsome a lady, and hope that I shall be able to grant 
her any favor.” 

Mrs. Gowen smiled, but it was a smile of disdain. 

“I suppose that I must consider myself a prisoner, 
captain ? ” 

“ Why, yes ; I am afraid that you will be called such.” 

“Sir, I am a poor weak woman, and my husband is 
ill. To be sent North would kill him. Will you land us 
at Nassau? We are not dangerous people. We have 
done nothing to provoke your folks. We are plain citi- 
tens, almost neutrals.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


178 


“ To be sure I will. I cannot surely wage war against 
a man who is sick, and a woman who is so amiable and 
lovely.’^ 

Mrs. Gowen bowed her thanks. 

“ But 1 have one more favor to ask,’’ she continued. 

“ Another one ? ” 

“ Yes, captain.” 

“ Well, broach it, and we will see what it appears like.” 

“ Mr. Barnwell is a dear friend of my husband’s. He 
saved the poor man’s life. Without each other, they are 
miserable.” 

“ Whew I is that so ? ” ^ 

‘‘Yes, sir ; I assure you that it is.” 

She began to appear a little nervous and anxious for the 
first time during the interview with the bluff old sailor. 

“ But, madam, I am informed that Mr. Barnwell is a 
confederate naval officer, and that he is on his way to 
take charge of a queer kind of craft your folks are building 
at Wilmington, North Carolina. I don’t state this as a fact, 
madam ; but it has been hinted to me by more than one.” 

“ O, sir, you are mistaken, I assure you. Mr. Barnwell 
is a civilian, and has no idea of taking part in this war.” 

“ Well done,” I thought. “ Even a lady can tell a lie 
when she is disposed to.” 

“ Will Mr. Barnwell reel off such a yarn to me ?” de- 
manded the captain, with what was meant to be under- 
stood as a very suspicious glance. 

The lady did not reply ; but she turned to me, and, lay- 
ing her hand upon my arm, whispered hurriedly, — 

“ I have told a falsehood on your account, Mr. Barnwell. 
Now tell one for yourself, and be saved.” 

I looked at her flushed face, and saw what a terrible 
struggle she had had with her better feelings before she 
were able to utter the words she did. 

“ Remember, for your sake and the sake of my husband, 
you must go with us.” 




174 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

t “Well,’’ cried the captain, in a pretended tone of 

severity, “ what does the gentleman say about it ? ” 

“ He says the same as myself,” cried the lady, in a hasty 
manner. 

Captain Switchell seemed to enjoy the pantomime, and 
would have continued it had I not motioned to him that* 
matters had gone far enough. 

“ 0, well,” he said, “ I am willing to take your words, 
'f- I will land such dear friends at Nassau. In a short time we 
shall be under way for that port ; so both of you had 
' better return on board the Pet, and pack up your traps, 

\ ^nd bring them here. One of the cutters is at your 

f. disposal.” 

f Then the lieutenant in charge of the Pet received his 

instructions, and was ordered to Boston, with intimations 
t that he must keep an eye on all his prisoners, and pre- 

^ vent them from being mutinous, and iron them if they 

h; were uneasy. Twenty men were sent on board, while 

1 most of the crew of -the Pet were transferred to our deck, 

K and four of them joined the Stingeree in less than ten 

J hours after they were under the shelter of the old flag. 

I With a full head of steam, the Pet started for the North, 

I - while the three gunboats separated. The Stingeree steered 

> direct for Nassau, with as jolly a crew as ever assembled 

r on the deck of a man-of-war. 

Mrs. 'Gowen and her husband were provided with a 
state-room in the captain’s cabin ; I was turned over to 
S. the ward-room; while John, the mulatto, was made to 
fraternize with the captain’s servant, — a smart black 
' * feUow, on whom John* looked with perfect contempt, 

^ 4. considering him one of the free trash that he had heard 

so much about. 

l" When we entered the harbor of Nassau, and dropped 

h: anchor, almost as soon as it touched bottom a notice was 

I sent on board warning the Stingeree to leave the place 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


175 


in the course of twenty-four hours, because it was wrong 
to shelter a belligerent in a neutral’s port longer than that 
time ; yet within half a cable’s length of the gunboat were 
lying three blockade runners, draped with confederate flags 
and British ensigns. All this increased the ill feeling 
which our men entertained for the pirates of the place ; but 
the officers of the gunboat were not allowed to exhibit the 
least temper, or to appear to notice the many insults they 
received. 

“The time will come,” whispered Captain Switchell, 
“ when we can rex)ay these barbarians for all their feel- 
ing and partiality. Some day the United States will send 
a fleet of ships down here, and shovel the blasted sand- 
hills into the sea ; and that will be the end of the place. 
But patience, old fellow. Keep cool. Help me capture 
one of those saucy fellows lying so near us, and we’ll 
laugh at Nassau neutrality.” 

“ I’ll do what I can to aid you,” I remarked. “ Keep 
outside, near Hog Island, and I will manage to communi- 
cate with you in a day or two. But you must let me liave 
Mr. Reefpoint, or rather Harry Bluff, for he must be known 
by that name. I need his help.” 

“You shall have him. I’ll send him on shore to-night, 
and tell him to desert. You can pick him up on the beach, 
or pretend to. Keep the lad a little in hand, and he’ll play 
his part well. I have no more advice that I know of. 
Pipe away the first cutter, Mr. Compass, and see that Mrs. 
Gowen’s dunnage is stowed away in the boat.” 

I shook hands with all the officers, and was rowed on 
shore In company with Mr. and Mrs. Gowen ; but it was 
not until we landed that the lady appeared to breathe as 
though she was free. 

“ O I ’ere’s a lot o’ Yanks a-comin’ on shore,” cried a 
number of beach-combers and loafers. “ Let’s pitch ’em 
in the drink. They is tyrants, and is fightin’ agin’ the 
freedom, of the South ” 


176 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Just at that instant one of the cutters from the Stin- 
geree, containing some ten smart sailors, with two officers 
in the stern-sheets, touched the beach. The loafers saw 
the landing, and leaving us, rushed towards the cutter, 
satisfied this time that they had hit upon a party of Yanks, 
as they called the Federals. 

While the sailors were landing the baggage which Mr. 
and Mrs. Gowen owned, I watched the operations of the 
mob. They clustered around the boat, and for a short 
time contented themselves with calling the sailors hard 
names ; but, as the men of war took but little notice of 
such conduct, the rabble threw a few stones, and then 
sand, and with the latter some hard words, just enough to 
awaken the indignation of the boat’s crew. The officers 
who had landed hurried up town with orders to the cock- 
swain to wait a few minutes for their return. 

“ Shall we stand all this ? ” cried one of the crew of the 
cutter. 

“ Up, Stingerees, and at ’em I ” yelled the cockswain ; 
and, boat-hook in hand, he leaped ashore, right into the 
midst of the pirates. 

“Let go, and haul ! ” the young fellow yelled ; and 
down upon the head of one man fell the boat-hook. 

“Stingerees, show your sting,” was the cry ; and oars 
were raised, and boat-stretchers were flourished, and in 
the midst of the crowd the Yankee tars charged, laying 
about to the right and left, knocking down the loafers 
without mercy, or regard for life or limb. 

“ Yanks I Yanks I Yanks I ” yelled the Nassau pirates. 

It was the beach-combers’ war-cry. 

From aU parts of the beach the Nassau people hastened 
to .the rescue ; and, thus reinforced, the pirates com- 
menced driving the sailors. 

“ Shall we stand that, shipmates ? ” demanded the crew 
of the cutter, who were unloading Mrs. Gowen’s traps. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 177 

The response was a rush for the scene of the fight, the 
men armed with boat-hooks and stretchers. 

Thus re-enforced, the tars compelled the Nassau beach- 
combers to give way in confusion ; but just as they were 
about to run, a lot of sailors belonging to the blockade 
runners lying in the harbor issued from grog-shops in the 
neighborhood, and turned the tide of battle in favor of the 
shore people ; but not until half a dozen loafers were 
stretched on the beach almost lifeless. 

Just at this moment the two officers from the Stinger ee 
rushed down to the beach, and with drawn swords at- 
tempted to separate the belligerents. 

But they might as well have called upon bulldogs to 
cease fighting ; for the sailors were determined to avenge 
some of the insults that had been heaped upon them ; 
while the Nassau pirates were desirous of annihilating 
those who were interfering with their bread and butter. 
But, discouraged at the influence of their officers, the 
sailors began to give way, causing the others to press 
them all the harder ; and just as I thought the tars would 
turn and run for their boats, a new actor appeared on the 
scene, — one whom I was much surprised to see. 

“ Shucks, you mean cowards ! fight three to one, will 
you ? Count me in. Old Kaintuck forever ! Whoop I ” 

It was Bowmount, the blunt ICentuckian, — ^ the very 
man who had damaged Mr. Gowen with the glass 
bottle. 

I saw him tear off his coat, draw a two-pound bowie- 
knife, and rush into the thickest of the fight. 

“ Bully for the Union ! ” he yelled. “ Whoop ! Kiyi I 
Give ’em shucks I Bah ! ” 

Heaven only knows whether it was the formidable 
knife, the unearthly yells, the homble imprecations, or 
the threatening appearance of the Kentuckian, whose eyes 
and face looked murderous, that struck fear to the hearts 


178 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


of the pirates ; but it is a fact, that no sooner did they 
liear his war-whoop, and see the flash of his bowie-knife, 
than terror took possession of them. 

“ A knife ! a knife I ” was the cry from all quarters. 

They instantly gave way, and began fleeing in confusion. 

At this moment Mrs. Goven whispered softly to me, — 

“ You see my husband? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ You notice that he trembles? ” 

“ He appears agitated.” 

“You can imagine the cause ? ” 

“ Perhaps the row he has just witnessed has disturbed 
his nerves.” 

“ Partly. But there is something else. The sight of 
that rude brute, that Kentuckian, has recalled the scene at 
the hotel, and the threats he made to kill him.” 

“ I think there need be no fear on that account.” 

“With you, there would be none; but Mr. Gowen’s 
nerves are not like yours. Come, now ; have pity on me, 
and do us a favor at the same time.” 

“ Willingly. What shall it be ? ” 

“ Go to that wild brute, and tame him. Make him give 
you guarantees that he will not harm Mr. Gowen, or even 
speak with him. If he does not promise, I shall have to 
defend my husband with my life.” 

I promised, and instantly started to confer with the 
Kentuckian, and also to remove him from the beach, for 
he was liable at any moment to arrest for assault with a 
dangerous weapon. 

The offlcers of the Stingeree understood the matter ; for 
as they glanced along the landing, and saw some dozen 
cracked heads lying on the sand, they determined to reach 
their ship as soon as possible, and thus escape all dfingers 
from a court of law, — where prosecution would be rigor- 
ous, and conviction sure, especially if the parties arraigned 
were Federals. 


RUNNING THE -BLOCKADE. 


179 - 


They left Bowmount standing near the landing, uncon- 
scious of all that was going on ; for as I approached him, 
he muttered, — 

“ The purtiest little fight I’ve seen this side of Old 
Kaintuck; and not a man of< ’em dared to stand up 
and face me. Shucks ! Dog on ’em ! what’s the rea- 
son they couldn’t give a man a chance to have a little 
fun ? ” 

“ Well, old fellow, how are you? ” I asked, as I laid a 
hand on his arm. 

The Kentuckian started, and once more placed his 
hand on the knife he had sheathed beneath his vest. 

“ Bowmount,” I continued, ‘‘ how are you ? Couldn’t 
keep out of the fight — could you ? ” 

“ Ah, I didn’t think it was in you to do as you have 
done,” was the reply. “ Shucks ! didn’t I put more trust 
in you than in any other map ? ” 

“ Well, suppose you did? How have I betrayed that 
trust ? Come, old fellow, speak quick, or you will find a 
squad of police down here after those who were engaged 
in the disturbance.” 

“ Well, it wouldn’t grieve me so much to be took as to 
know that I has put confidence in a man what turns agin 
me.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ That’s what I mean.” 

There was a look of defiance in the Kentuckian’s face, 
as though he were “ mad ail through,” and nearly inclined 
for another fight. ^ 

“You are laboring under a mistake,” I said, “ or else 
you want to quarrel with me. If the latter be your ob- 
ject, I shall not gratify you untih.1 am satisfied that you 
have grounds for your complaint.” 

“ You South Carolina chaps,” was the answer, “ is 
pe-ert — mighty pe-ert ; but old Kaintuck’s as good as 
any of ’em, now I tell you.” 


180 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Never mind that,” I remarked. “ You come with tnkj 
to a place where there will be no danger of arrest, and 
then I’ll talk with you.” 

Bowmount followed me, in a quiet manner, to a part of 
the landing where we would be screened from observation. 
To be sure he muttered, in a low tone, some grievance 
that he had at heart ; but I could not detect what he 
meant until I turned on him, and said, — 

“Now, free your mind, Bowmount. What have 1 
done ? ” 

“ I shouldn’t have thought it of yer, dog on it I ” 

“ You have said that several times already,” I said. 

He turned on me like a panther, and replied fiercely, — 

“1 knows it; and I’ll say it several times agin, if I 
wants to.” 

“ No, you won’t,” I answered, “ at least to me ; for if 
you are disposed to continue it, I shall take an early op- 
portunity of leaving you to talk to yourself.” 

“ You South Carolinians is pe-ert ; but, shucks I we is 
pe-erter. Old Kaintuck won’t back down for any of 
■you.” 

“ No one wants you to,” I responded. “ But if you 
can’t explain what the trouble is, I'll leave you.” 

I was about to move off, when Bowmount remarked, — 

“ What did you cut and run for, jist when I wanted yer 
to help me ? ” 

“Is that the trouble ? ” 

“Yes, it is.. Where has you stowed yerself the last 
few days ? Why did yer leave me all alone with none 
but the mean sneaks at the hotel to talk to? Why 
couldn’t you have said to me, ‘ Bowmount, I’m tired of 
your rough ways. You like to fight too well for my 
money. I don’t take any pleasure in your company, so 
I’ll quit you at once ? ’ Yer might have done that, and 
no one would have gin yer a more tough shake of the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 181 

hand than me, a dog-on-’em sort of a feller what likes 
fair play and square sort of men.” 

“ And that is what you have in my disfavor ? ” I asked. 

“ Yes ; and enough it is for any man.” 

“ Well, suppose I should prove to you that I had to 
leave in opposition to my own wishes ? ” 

“How’s that? I’d like to see the man what could 
make me leave unless I wanted to.” 

“ You are a brave man,” I said, “ and a strong one ; but 
even you might be taken by surprise, and forced to sur- 
render.” 

“ O, a sneakin’ chap might hit me on the head when my 
back was turned. Of course all men is liable to that sort 
of thing.” 

“ WeU, old fellow, that is just the manner I was served. 
See,” and I removed my hat, “ where a slung-shot struck 
my head, and almost fractured my skull.” 

“ Shucks I so it did. How did it happen ? ” 

“ Well, that is more than I can tell. I was on the 
beach, after I parted from you, some one struck me, and 
it was the last that I knew until I awoke on board the 
blockade-runner Pet, on her way to Wilmington.” 

“ The deuce ! you don’t say so I ” 

“ I’m telling you the truth.” 

“ I know you are. Don’t think I’m the man to dispute 
yer. Shucks I it’s jist like a romance. But how comes 
yer here ? That’s the question. If yer was on the Pet, 
why ain’t yer thar now ? It’s a long ways from here to 
Wilmington, and a vessel don’t move like a swaller.'" 

“ I’m only too thankful that I am not on board the 
Pet, for she is bound North, in charge of a prize crew ; 
and I’m here, a free man, and not a prisoner.” 

“Was she took?” demanded Bowmount, with a sur- 
prised look. 

“ Yes ; and there lies her captor, the Federal gunboat 


182 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

Stingeree, — the crew of winch you assisted a few min- 
utes ago.’^ 

“ Whew I the deuce I did I ” whistled the' Kentuckian, 
with a pecuhar expression on his red face. “ What a 
blamed fool I am — ain’t I ? But never mind that just 
now, old boy. WeTl talk of- that matter some other time. 
What I wants to know is how the Yanks come to let you 
up.'’ 

“ By the aid of a handsome woman.” 

“01 is that the lay ? Well, who is the woman that did 
all that for yer ? ” 

“ One whom you have injured.” 

“ O, shucks ! golong. I don’t know any woman what I 
have injured. I wouldn’t hurt the hair of a woman’s 
head. Name her.” 

“ Mrs. Gowen.” 

“ Dog on it I you don’t say so ? How come she on 
board the Pet ? ” 

“ You frightened her so badly that she compelled her 
husband to leave in a hurry.” 

Bowmount looked a little guilty, and tried to change 
the conversation, but I wouldn’t let him. I held him to 
the mark. 

“ After I left you, on the evening of the row, you sent 
a challenge to Mr. Gowen.” 

“ Yes, I s’pose I did.” 

“ You promised me that you would do nothing of the 
kind.” 

“I know; but you see you left me all alone, and I 
began to think that rascally Georgian w^ould boast that 
old Kaintuck had no courage for a fair fight ; so I jist sent 
him a letter, and I worded it pretty strong. Then I went 
to sleep ; and when I woke up in the mornin’ you warn’t 
to be found, and Gowen had cut and run for it. I didn’t 
know what to think ; so I put you all down as mean 
sneaks what didn’t understand civilized ways.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 188 

“ Do you still think so ” 

“ There’s my hand, Barnwell. I won’t lift it agin yer, 
nor agin any man what is yer friend.” 

“ O ! I’m not alarmed on my own account. I was think 
ing of Go wen and his wife.” 

“I’ll be like a lamb to ’em,” the Kentuckian cried. 
“ Only don’t you go back on me — will you?” 

“ No, — not if you will come up to the mark like a man, 
and offer your hand to Mr. Gowen.” 

“ I’m a man, and will do it.” 

“ Then come with me.” _ 

The brawny Kentuckian put his arm through mine, and 
we walked to the place where Mr. and Mrs. Gowen were 
waiting for a carriage to take them to the Royal Humbug 
Hotel. 

Mr. Gowen looked uneasy and felt uneasy when he saw 
the Kentuckian approach ; but his wife drew up her well- 
proportioned form, flashed her eyes, and ruffled her plu- 
mage like a royal eagle aunoyed by the approach of some 
mean bird or sneaking hunter. 

“ Mr. Gowen,” said the Kentuckian, “ thar’s my hand. 
We have had a fight, and you got the worst punishment. 
If you don’t mind that, I don’t, I’m sure. Shall we be 
friends, or shall we be enemies ? ” 

“Friends, by all means,” was the eager reply. And 
they shook hands. 

As soon as this was accomplished, I hurried Bowmount 
from the beach, and we reached the hotel in safety. 

I once more dressed myself in my own apparel, and 
descended to the veranda of the hotel. The first man I 
met there was Colonel Rhett, the Virginian, — the same 
old scoundrel who had been instrumental in having me 
carried on board the Pet after I had been struck sense- 
less by a slung-shot in the hands of a sailor working under 
his directions. 


184 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Ah, lieutenant ! ” said the colonel, giving a sudden 
bobble as he spoke, as though requiring considerable sup- 
port from his stick, — for he seemed lame by spells, as 
though his rheumatism was troublesome, — “I am glad to 
see you to-day.” 

The old rascal extended his hand as though he was sure 
of a warm welcome. I took his proffered hand, and 
squeezed it ; for I did not mean to let the old cheat know 
that I was aware of his treachery. I meant to pay him in 
his own coin at some future time. 

“ Where have you kept yourself for the past few days ? ” 
the colonel asked, in a soothing, confidential tone. “ My 
daughter has inquired for you several times. Have you 
been sick ? ” 

“ It seems that you have not heard the story of my 
adventures.” 

“ Adventures ? No, indeed. Pray tell me what kind 
of adventures.” 

I wanted to rave at the old scoundrel ; but restrained 
my feelings, thinking the time would come for a sweet 
revenge. I had to fight such a man with his own weapons. 
So, in as composed a manner as possible, I related how I 
had been knocked down, and then carried to the Pet, 
and all the particulars of her capture, &c. 

The gallant old colonel listened (I wanted to knock the 
hypocrite heels over head) with all the marks of astonish- 
ment that he could command ; and, when I had concluded, 
he swore that an outrage had been committed, and that I 
should apply to the governor for redress, and that, “ if 
some notice was not taken of it, the Southern Confederacy 
would look after the affair when the proper time arrived.” 

“ Bah I ” I replied, with an expression of contempt. 
“ The governor could do nothing ; and, as for the con- 
federacy, it has as much as it wants to attend to at present.” 

“ That’s so,” replied the colonel, in so hearty a manner 
that 1 looked at the man in astonishment. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


185 


He noticed my surprise, and attempted to explain 
matters ; but while he was uttering some commonplace 
remarks, full of Virginia's peculiar dialect. Miss Rhett, 
the old gentleman’s daughter, made her appearance, look- 
ing as lovely as she appeared on the first day that I saw 
her. 

“ O, Mr. Barnwell I ” she cried, in a gushing tone, trip- 
ping towards me, both of her little hands extended in the 
frankest, freest, most amiable manner. “ O, how pleased 
I am to see you ? ” she continued, as she put her little 
white fingers in my hand, and allowed them to remain 
there for the space of a minute. “You are a naughty 
man to keep away from us for such a length of time.” 

“ I didn’t think Miss Rhett would miss me when she 
had so many polite gentlemen to entertain her,” I said ; 
for I remembered how she had favored Soul4 on the 
passage to Nassau. 

The young lady smiled, and glanced at her father ; and 
the old gentleman seemed to take the hint, for he said, — 

“ Come to our room, Mr. Barnwell, and have a social 
glass of wine, and a quiet smoke.” 

I should have refused, but the young lady laid her 
hand on my arm, and whispered, — 

“ O, do come.” 

Her eyes looked too inviting to decline such an invita- 
tion, so man-like I went. 

When we arrived at the room, wine was placed on the 
Cable, and Miss Rhett insisted that I should light a cigar, 
and smoke in company with her father, just for her gratifi- 
cation. She did like the smell of cigar smoke ; and gentle- 
men took so much comfort with tobacco, that it seemed a 
pity to deprive them of it. She was sure she should 
want her husband to smoke cigars, and she should not 
object if he used a pipe. But then she never expected to 
be married, so what was the use of talking on that 
13 


186 RUNNmC THE BLOCKADE. 

subject. Then she laughed, and appeared a little an- 
noyed, as though she had overstepped the bounds of 
maiden modesty. 

Colonel Rhett did not check his daughter. lie seemed 
so accustomed to her child-like ways, that he did not appear 
to notice her prattle, or think that it was necessary to 
reprove it ; but, while I was listening to the young lady, 
the colonel all of a sudden espied some one on the grounds 
of the hotel, and he must have desired to see him very 
much, for he turned to me, and said, — 

“ Remain here ten minutes, won’t you, while I speak to 
Richards. I’ll be back in that time. Entertain him. 
Magnolia.” 

He was gone before I could remonstrate. 

Hardly had the door closed, before the young lady drew 
her chair nearer to mine, and said, — 

“ I’m glad he’s gone.” 

“Why?” 

“ Because I can now have a pleasant chat with you. I 
feel, Mr. BarnweU, so much interest in the fate of the 
confederacy, that I want to talk to you on the hopes and 
prospects of the South. You know aU that is going on, 
or, if you don’t, you should and I want you to teU me 
what is your candid opinion of the condition of things.” 

“ You can read and use your eyes,” I said. Look 
towards the harbor, and see the fleet of blockade runners 
loaded with supplies for the South ; glance over the North • 
ern papers, and see how despondent they are. All show 
that the end is not far off.” 

“ O, how glad I am to hear you talk in that manner I 
You give me such encoui’agement.” 

Yet in truth the girl did not look as though she were 
dehghted. 

“ Do you know the names of all the blockade runners 
n port, Mr. BarnweU ? ” the lady asked. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


187 


“ O, jes ! there are six of them.” 

“ And is it possible that you know what is on board of 
each ? How singular ! ” 

“ It is not so very singular if you think of the matter for 
a moment. I am a sailor, and take an interest in such 
matters.” . ^ 

“ True, true. I didn’t think of that. Now, shall I test 
your knowledge ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ I don’t believe you know, but I have a good mind to 
ask the question. Papa will never talk with me on matters 
that interest all noble-hearted girls.” 

“ Well, put my knowledge to the test,” I said. “Ask 
me any question that you please, and see if I don’t answer 
it to your satisfaction.” 

“Now,” the lady said, with a pleasant smile, “ tell me 
what is on board of the Saucy Jane.” 

“ There are on board the Saucy Jane two batteries of 
guns, ten thousand rifles, and some medicines and wine.” 

She clapped her hands in glee. 

“ O, how I hope she will run the blockade in safety ! 
Do you know when she will sail ? ” 

“Some time to-night.” 

“Indeed. So soon?” 

For a moment she was thoughtful, as though making 
some mental calculation; and thpn she looked up and 
asked, — 

“ Do you know what is on board the Spitfire ? ” 

I didn’t know, but replied, — 

“ Powder, guns, boots and shoes, and confederate gray.” 

“ And when does she sail ? ” 

“ On Sunday, I think, unless there is some Yankee 
vessel outside.” 

“ And the rest of the steamers, — do you know when 
they will start ? ” 


188 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“Just as soon as their agents, Alderny & Co., say the 
word/* 

Just at this moment there was a sharp knock at the 
door, and who should enter the apartment but Mrs. 
Gowen, the Georgian heiress. 

I am certain that I had done nothing to provoke hei 
wrath, even if she had possessed a right to control my 
actions ; so I was much surprised when the Georgia lady, 
after entering the apartment, and closing the door, turned 
full upon Miss Rhett, and, with scorn and rage depictured 
in every feature, said, — 

“ Here are pretty goings-on, I am sure. A nice little 
party this, with the stern papa left out for some purpose 
or other. I am not as blind as a bat, I would have you to 
know ; for I can see into a private arrangement as far as 
the next person. This I consider as highly improper.’* 

“ May I ask to what you allude ? *’ demanded Miss 
Rhett. 

This young lady’s first emotion, on seeing the proud 
Georgian, was that of pleasure, simply because a haughty 
woman likes to receive a call from another. 

“ It is evident enough.” 

The flashing eyes were turned on me, but only for a 
moment. Then they were directed to Miss Rhett, as 
though she were the culprit on whom all the scorn and 
indignation should be concentrated. 

“ I do not understand you, Mrs. Gowen.” 

“ Then it would be improper for me to explain all that 
you should know. Good day.” 

She turned, and was gone before I could utter a word in 
reply. Miss Rhett and I looked at each other in silence 
for a moment, and then laughed. We could not help it, 
the scene had been so ludicrous. 

“Well,” said the dark-eyed Virginian, with some little 
signs of embarrassment, “ I suppose that I shall have a 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


189 


dreadful name for m j wickedness ; but I shall look to you 
for vindication.’’ 

“We have had a pleasant chat,” I returned. 

“ Yes ; I am sure that we have. You don’t know how 
much you have instructed me. And all for the love of 
our dear South.” 

She gave me her hand as she spoke. At that moment 
Colonel Rhett returned. Hardly was he in the room 
before the door flew open without a warning knock, and 
in rushed Sould, the rebel despatch-bearer. 

He was so eager and joyful that he did not notice me, 
but ran straight to Miss Rhett, caught her in his arms, 
and showered several kisses upon her face before he was 
aware of my presence. 

Perhaps I was astonished more than the colonel ; for 
the latter simply said, — 

“ Mr. Soul^, I am surprLed at your extraordinary 
conduct.” 

“ My dear sir,” was the answer, “ I am so happy that 
you need be surprised at nothing. Miss Rhett will for- 
give me for what I have done, when I tell her that 
McClellan has been defeated in front of Richmond, and his 
army not only broken up, but a great part of it destroyed. 
The fate of the Southern Confederacy is now certainly 
assured.” 

I was confounded at this statement, and could not be- 
lieve that it was true ; but if I looked for a moment the 
dismay that I felt, "the Rhetts certainlj?- were overwhelmed 
with joy; for they could not speak, but gazed at each 
other in silent amazement, while Soul^ gave vent to his 
joy by throwing up his hat and cheering most extrava- 
gantly. 

“ Is this certain ? Is the news from an authentic 
source ? ” I demanded, after I had crushed the agoray that 
tore at my heart-strings. 

7 


190 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ A steamer has just arrived from New York,” replied 
Soul6 ; “ and our friends in that city have sent us the 
most reliable information. Whoop I The military power 
of the North is destroyed, and the South is free. My dear 
Miss Rhett, do allow me to shake hands with you on the 
strength of it. We shall now belong to one of the first 
nations in the world.” 

“ The North won’t give it up yet,” rema. ked the colonel, 
after a long silence. 

Then he looked at his daughter with a wearied air, as 
though he was too much elated to cheer at the tidings he 
had heard. 

“ But it must give it up,” was Soule’s reply. “ The 
North is bankrupt, and men can no longer be driven into 
the army, or hired to volunteer. I have travelled all over 
the country, and know what I state. The last army the 
North can raise is crushed in front of Richmond.” 

The enthusiastic young man rushed towards Miss Rhett 
to take her in his arms, and once more embrace her ; but 
the young lady dodged in an adroit manner, so that the 
young fellow missed his prize, and with a laugh left the 
room to impart the information to others as deeply inter- 
ested as himself. 

I then bowed myself out of the apartment, and found 
Mrs. Gowen near the head of the main stairs, where she 
seemed to have been waiting for me. 

“ O, you mean, deceitful man ! ” she said in a vin- 
dictive manner, and with a look that showed how angry 
she was. 

“ For Heaven’s sake, what have I done ? ” I demanded. 

“ Done ? ” she repeated in a tone of supreme contempt. 
“ What haven’t you done ? ” 

“ Hollo ! here’s a jolly row.” 

Mrs. Gowen heard the dreaded Kentuckian’s voice, 
turned and fled precipitately, leaving me to explain mat- 
ters to Bowmount. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


191 


“ What’s the matter, my boy ? ” he asked. 

I explained to the Kentuckian that Mrs. Gowen was 
fretful. Just at that moment some one came along, and 
said something about the “ glorious news from Rich- 
mond ; ” and it started Bowmount on another track. 

“ Shucks ! ” he said. “ You fellers go crazy over a vic- 
tory, and think that the war is ended because one of the 
Northern armies is drove back. I tell you another army 
will spring up, and take its place. You fellows don’t 
know the North as well as I do ; and some of you don’t 
know the South, though you have lived there all your nat- 
eral days.” 

Here some one, flushed with the news, and not having 
the fear of Bowmount’s bowie-knife before his eyes, inti- 
mated that the Kentuckian was no true Southerner. 

“ Perhaps I’m not,” was the reply. But it was made 
in good-nature, much to my surprise ; for I expected he 
would fall into a terrible passion. “ I am so good, though, 
that I would have prevented this war if I could, and 
would have hung every infernal scoundrel that attempted 
to urge it on.” 

There was a murmur of indignation at this, and one or 
two hostile demonstrations ; but the Kentuckian replied 
calmly, — 

“ Let’s argue the p’int, and see who is the best friend 
of the South.” 

Unfortunately Bowmount just at that moment placed 
his hand in his breast-pocket. Although I am confident 
that he meant nothing by the action, yet it appeared that 
all dreaded an explosion ; for there was such a sudden re- 
treat, that in a moment the Kentuckian and myself were 
left together. 

“ What’s the meaning of this ? ” demanded Bowmount, 
looking around in a puzzled sort of surprise. 

I could not help laughing, the man was so astonished at 
the sudden flight of those who had been listeners. 


192 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ It means,” I answered, “ that your friends expected a 
shot instead of an argument. They can stand your words, 
but not the contents of your revolver.” 

“ Shucks ! ” he exclaimed ; “ is that so ? I hadn’t the 
east idea of drawin’ on the cowards. If I had, they 
wouldn’t have got away with whole skins, now I tell 
you.” 

I left the Kentuckian marvelling at the suspicions of 
his Southern friends, and passed down stairs, where 1 
mingled with the crowd, heard the comments on the Vir- 
ginia news, drank with some of the more moderate of the 
confeds, talked with others, and then retired to my room, 
and slept till luncheon. 

After luncheon, I lighted a cigar, and walked out, 
hoping that I should have time to exchange a few words 
with the American consul without being observed by the 
rebels who thronged the island. 

As I strolled along, regretting the bad news I had heard, 
some one touched my arm. 

“ If you please, sur, will ye be kind enough to give me 
a shillin’ to prevent me bein’ choked to death ? ” 

It was a rich brogue that saluted my ear, and the owner 
of the same was a young fellow dressed in the garb of a 
sailor — blue shirt, pants, and a Scotch cap, with a leather 
belt and jack-knife attached. 

I could not get a full view of the lad’s face (for he 
appeared to be but a lad) on account of the cap which 
he wore, having drawn it over his eyes in an unsailorlike 
fashion. 

“ Have you an idea of hanging yourself? ” I asked. 

“No, yer honor. Why does yer ask ? ” 

“For the simple reason that you said you intended to 
choke unless you had a shilling.” 

“ Ah, yer honor ; but ’tis for the want of whiskey I suf- 
fer. A small coin will now save me from a terrible death.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 193 

“ Why, you impudent vagabond,” I replied. “ A young 
fellow like you should be above begging.” 

“ I know, yer honor ; but what is a buy to do when he 
has nary a shot in the locker, and is terrible dry ? ” 

The impudence of the scamp amused me. I handed 
him a shilling, and was about to pass on, when the rogue 
gently touched me on the arm. 

“ If you plase, sir, couldn’t you add anither one to it? 
Fm awful when I’m dry.” 

“ You impudent scoundrel I ” I said. “ If you don’t 
take yourself off, FIT keelhaul you!” 

The young man chuckled, and I passed on. I had 
walked but a few paces when I found that the persistent 
beggar was following me ; so turned on him with a regu- 
lar quarter-deck air. 

“Didn’t I teU you to crowd sail and be off?” I de- 
manded. 

“ Yes, yer honor.” 

“ And will you mind me ? ” 

“ Certainly, sir. That’s what I was sent on shore for.” 

The youngster raised his hand and brushed away his 
cap as he spoke, changing his tone entirely from rank 
brogue to good English. 

“ Why, Harry ! is this you ? ” I demanded ; for I saw 
before me Harry Reefpoint, the young midshipman of the 
Stingeree. 

“ Yes, sir ; here I am, with orders to report to you.” 

“ I did not recognize you, and should not have noticed 
you.” 

“ No, sir ; I hope not. My brogue, sir, I trust, was 
perfect. It was put on for effect, like sky-scrapers to a 
merchant-ship. But I’ll take any character you like, from 
a Yankee tar, disgusted with the North, to an English 
jolly and drunken scamp of a sailor, more anxious for a 
swiU at the grog-tub than a haul at the purser’s stores. 


\ J4 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

Tell me what to be, and I’m all that your fancy painted 
me, although I’m not lovely or divine, according to a 
man’s acceptance of the term.” 

“Well, what are you according to a woman’s idea on 
that point?” 

I could not repress a smile at the blush that mantled 
his handsome face, and glistened in his speaking eyes. 

“ Recollect, sir, that we gentlemen and men of honor 
are commanded, by all that we hold sacred, not to divulge 
the secrets of a lady. A sailor is too chivalrous to think 
of such a thing.” 

“ Very well answered, Harry, and I hope that your 
modesty will last through life ; but I fear not. But now 
to business. When did you land ? ” 

“ An hour or two since.” 

“And the Stingeree is ready to sail as soon as the 
twenty-four hours expire ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ That is right. I am in hopes that we shall find work 
for her before long.” 

Harry glanced over his shoulder, and then looked all 
around before he said, — 

“ I’ve already heard something that is of interest, sir.” 

“ Indeed I What is it ? ” 

“ To-night the crew of the Spitfire is to be shipped.” 

“ Well, can we prevent it ? ” 

“ No, sir. I wouldn’t try to. She is a bouncing big 
steamer ; is crammed full of guns, rifles, and all that the 
South wants. If she should run the blockade, there 
would be great rejoicing in Dixie, and mourning in the 
North.” 

“ Is the Spitfire fast ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. She beat the Pet in a race out of Liver- 
pool. I think that even the Stingeree would have to 
keep in her wake, although the gunboat can do pretty 
well alongrside of the farcy sailers.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 196 

“ Harry, I must think of this matter, and see if we can’t 
earn a little prize-money.” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ You know where the men are to be shipped ? ” 

“ Yes, sir; at Bucknor’s.” 

“ If we could get a dozen or twenty of the Stingeree’s 
crew on board, there would be little trouble in making a 
capture,” I suggested. 

“ Can’t we do it, sir? ” the lad asked with a smile. 

“ Can you get a note to Captain Switchell ? ” I inquired. 

“Yes, sir. He is on shore now, and at the consul’s 
house.” 

“ Well, wait here until I return. I will write to the 
captain, and detail my plan ; and if he approves it, then I 
will make any attempt on the steamer. Keep close until 
I come back, and recollect that you are Harry Bluff, the 
English lad.” 

“Yes, sir ; I am anxious to make a few shillin’s by 
cheatin’ the bloody Yankees.” 

Harry would have willingly given me some more speci- 
mens of English marine humor, if I had waited and lis- 
tened ; but I was too much hurried, wishing to write the 
letter, to stop and hear him. 

I returned to the hotel, and found that all the boarders 
were singing songs, and that “ Maryland, my Marj- 
land,” was one of them. 

“ Come and have a drink, Barnwell,” roared the South- 
erners as I hove in sight. 

“ I’m in a hurry just at this moment.” 

“ The man who does not drink on such an occasion as 
this deserves to be called an abolitionist,” roared one 
young fellow, who had left the sunny South for the pur- 
pose of escaping conscription, and serving in the army. 

“ That’s so,” yelled half a dozen of the most drunken. 
“ You must drink with us, or be called a Northern nigger- 
lover ” 


196 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


A roar of laughter greeted the remark ; and to pre- 
vent suspicion, I joined in the merriment, and went 
towards the bar for a glass of iced punch. 

“ Who says a man what don’t drink with you is a nig- 
ger-lover? ” asked a deep bass voice, which I knew quit« 
well. 

It was Bowmount, the Kentuckian, who seemed deter- 
mined to make his presence known just at times when his 
Southern friends wished him to the antipodes. 

There was no response to the remark. Even those 
who had been most noisy but a moment before were silent 
now, sipping their liquor, and smoking their cigars, as 
though to occupy their time, and not for pleasure. 

Bowmount was more than half intoxicated. I could 
see that, and also noticed that he was determined to quar- 
rel with some one, or even with all in the room, if occa- 
sion was given him. 

“ I won’t drink with your mean cowardly party j and 
I ain't an abolitionist, nor a nigger-lover. Who says I 
am?” 

There was no response to this. 

“ Who’ll invite me to drink ? Don’t all speak at once. 
Shucks ! dog on yer, what is yer afeard of ? ” 

“ Take a glass with me,” I said, and passed a cham- 
pagne bottle to him. 

“ No, sir ; I won’t drink with you. But I’ll liquor with 
these fellers as called me a nigger-lover. Whoop I ” 

With a yell like that of an Apache, the Kentuckian 
sprang towards the nearest rebel ; but the latter went out 
the window head first, landing in the garden. 

“ Whoop I Wake, snakes, and give ’em ginger ! ” 

The crazy-headed man made a rush for a second rebel 
— a fat, pursy, wheezy little man, bald-headed and near- 
sighted. 

The little man had but a moment before declared that 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


197 


a warrior’s death was the death he preferred to all others • 
and he had intimated, glass in hand, that he should like to 
die several times for the benefit of the Sunny South. 

When the man whom Bowmount first attacked bolted 
from the room head first, the little greas}^, ftt fellow had 
looked upon the whole thing as a good joke, and had 
laughed until his sides shook like a jelly ; but the noise 
which he made attracted the Kentuckian’s notice. The 
fellow had better have shaken a red cloth in the eyes of a 
mad bull than to have thus called down upon his head the 
wrath of that drunken man. 

“ Whoop I yaw I ” roared the madman ; and, waving 
a heavy champagne-bottle in his right hand, charged 
ferociously upon the little bald-headed genius. 

“ Run, little one,” I yelled, fearful that the man would 
be brained and killed. 

He started from the table at which he had been seated, 
and gazed with dismay at the Kentuckian. He seemed 
incapable of moving, appearing as one fascinated with 
the wicked eyes of a serpent. 

“ Run, you blamed fool!” some one shouted to him. 

But the warning was not heeded. 

On went the Kentuckian, uttering powerful whoops and 
fells. 

“ Jump out of the window,” I said. 

But the words were not noticed. 

“ Wake, snakes ; for you is wanted,” howled Bowmount. 

Raising his bottle as he spoke, in a moment more it 
Would have fallen, and perhaps crushed the skull of the 
illstle rebel. But luck favored the man who desired to 
die on the field of battle. His legs, stout and fat as they 
were, gave way beneath the load that pressed them down, 
and his whole person collapsed, and went under the table, 
as though struck down by a flash of lightning. As the 
little fellow fell, he also overturned the table, — a marble- 


198 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


topped one, — and, as it fell, struck the Kentuckian’s 
toes, skinned his shins, and finally tripped him up, fall- 
ing headlong, and carrying with him to the floor half a 
dozen of the confeds who were near. 

“ ‘.Now I lay me down to sleep ! cried the little fat 
man as he arose, repeating portions of the first prayer that 
came to his mind. “ ‘ May all good angels guard me and 
mine evermore I ’ Hang such a man. He’s drunk. Take 
him off. Save me. Glory to the Highest. Good lunk 
about that table, now I tell you. Kill him, some of you. 
He’s a pretty Southerner. Bah I ” 

With these words and this salutation, the fat man rushed 
from the room, and sought that quiet in his chamber he 
could not find in the bar-room. 

“ He’s a disgrace to the house, and should be made to 
leave it,” said some one — a testy old gentleman who 
didn’t understand such Kentucky fun. 

Bowmount heard this remark as he raised his battered 
form from the floor. 

“ I’ll teach you civility, you mean old fool I ” roared the 
rash man. 

Grasping his bottle, he prepared for another rush ; but 
the children of the Sunny South did not wait for the 
charge. They turned and fled as though they feared 
broken heads and bloody noses ; and in a few moments no 
one remained in the room but the Kentuckian, the bar- 
keeper, and myself. 

As soon as the room was cleared, the Kentuckian brushed 
tlie coarse hair from his eyes, and gazed around like a wild 
Dull that had been maddened and baffled. 

“ Confusion I ” he said, with a sort of sob. To think 
that out of ten men not one of ’em would stand before 
me even for a minute I This is hard luck, hard luck. It’s 
not so in old Kaintuck. Thar, if you make a motion or 
even p’int a finger at a feller, he 11 strip for a fight. Ah I 
I long for the old times and the old Slate.” 



BOWMOUNT EXPLAINS.— Page 187 







RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


199 


I saw that it was useless to argue with him ; so, making 
an excuse to get him to his room, I left him in the enjoy- 
ment of a nap, while I hurried to my apartment, and 
wrote a letter to Captain Switchell, asking for twenty 
reliable men — sober fellows, who would obey all orders 
and not ask a question. They were to land in the course 
of the day, and report to Harry, or old Ben, on the beach, 
one at a time, and there receive instructions. 

After writing the note, I hurried out, and found the 
midshipman, who was waiting most patiently for me, aiic 
who promised to see that Captain Switchell received the 
letter in the course of an hour or two. I then explained 
to Harry my plans for the capture of the Spitfire ; and the 
lad was kind enough to say that he was delighted with 
them, and thought they would succeed. 

“ Very well,” I answered. “ Be on hand promptly this 
evening, and we will make an attempt even if it fails.” 

I turned away, and through the trees caught sight of 
Colonel Rhett and his daughter sauntering in the shade. 

I pushed Harry behind a thicket of bushes, and waited 
for the Virginians to pass ; for I did not want them to see 
me just at that moment in company with the middy. 

Colonel Rhett and his lovely daughter appeared to be 
engaged in an earnest conversation, so that Harry and I 
had no trouble in secreting ourselves. They did not 
notice us, or appear aware that we were near. 

They were soon lost to view in the shadows of the trees 
and shrubbery. The young midshipman and myself then 
stole from our place of concealment, and walked in an 
opposite direction. 

“ Faith, she is a pretty one,” said Harry. 

“In fact,” continued the good-looking youngster, “she 
reminds me of my Boston cousin — one of the hand- 
somest girls that ever walked Washington Street.” 

“ Indeed ? Who is she ? ” 

14 


200 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“01 no one that you ever heard of/’ was the careless 
answer. 

“ Perhaps not/’ I insisted ; “ but tell me her name.” 

“ Hatty Blank.” 

“ Hatty Blank ? ” 

“Yes, sir — the daughter of my uncle Pemberton Blaijk, 
% wealthy and aristocratic East India merchant.” 

“ Is it possible that that young lady is your cousin ? ” 

“Yes, sir. Did you ever see her? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Isn’t she a stunner for good looks ? Did you ever see 
a clipper that would equal her for all that’s neat and taunt, 
alow and aloft ? ” 

“She is a lady, and a very beautiful one. In fact, it is 
seldom we meet with a more lovely face.” 

I spoke in a warm tone ; for I recollected that I carried 
■ the young lady’s photograph near my heart, and that her 
bright face and coquettish airs were still as fresh in my 
mind as the day I saved her from insult on Pennsylvania 
Avenue, in Washington. 

Just at that moment I heard footsteps on the gravel 
walk. We dodged behind some bushes, and waited to see 
who the stranger was. In a few seconds the pursy form 
of Captain Switchell, of the Stingeree, approached. He 
was mopping his face with his pocket-handkerchief, and 
i growling audibly at some subject that lay on his mind. 

“ Captain, you are just the one I want to see,” I said, as 
I stepped from the bushes. 

Captain Switchell, who entertained an idea that Nassau 
i contained more pirates and robbers to the square foot than 
\ \ any country under the sun, started, and laid his hand on a 
> revolver, under the impression that murder was con- 
i • templated ; but, as soon as he saw my face, his features 
relaxed their scowl, and good-nature appeared, 
y “ Hang me,” he said, “ if I didn’t think that you was 
after cotton, and the gold lace on my coat.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


201 


“ Can you spare me a word, captain ? ” I asked. 

“Yes — a dozen of them. Only be lively; for the 
scoundrels have ordered me off.” 

We withdrew to the shade, and then I laid my plans 
before the captain for the capture of the Spitfire. Cap- 
tain Switchell bit his thumbs while I was .relating the 
plans, and at last he exclaimed, — 

“ Blast it, you know that it is clear agin national law.” 

“ Who ever heard of law when capturing or breaking 
up a nest of pirates ? ” 

“ I know all that ; but, darn it I the thing might be 
brought home to me, and then I’d be broken as sure as 
fate.” 

“ But there is no need of it. I assume the whole 
responsibility. Give twenty of your men a chance to 
leave the ship for a few days, and no questions, asked. 
You need to know but little of the matter ; but, after the 
Spitfire is outside, your trouble is over. Take her three 
leagues from land, and what a prize you will have I and 
no other ship to share it.” 

“ How my wife and daughter would rejoice to see me 
rolling the shot into my locker I ” remarked Captain 
SwitcheU, his eyes protruding at the anticipation. 

“ Of course they would. Why should they not rejoice 
at your prosperity? If you have fair treatment by the 
prize courts, you can count on ten or twenty thousand 
dollars as your share of the Spitfire.” 

“ Hang it I you know it is a little irregular. We are in 
a neutral port.” 

“ Yes ; and see how they show their neutrality, by 
ordering you to leave the harbor in twenty-four hohrs 
after you have arrived.” 

“ Blast ’em I ” muttered the captain. “ A set of bloody 
pirates as ever lived. The whole bloody place had ought 
to be sunk in the ocean.” 


202 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Then you’ll lend me the men ? ” 

“ No ; I’ll do nothing about it.” 

I looked my disappointment ; but the captain winked 
with one of his pig-like eyes, as he added, — 

“ No ; I’ll have nothing to do with the affair. But I’ll 
just hint to Mr. Swivel that I can spare him and some 
twenty of the best and most reliable men in the ship. He 
can take the hint or not ; but from what I know of the 
man, I rather think he will.” 

“We shall want an assistant engineer to start the 
engines in case we don’t find one on board.” 

“ Well, I’ll hint as much to Mr. Swivel. He’s a sly 
old fox, and won’t miss a chance if he can help it.” 

And with these words we parted company, — the cap- 
tain bolting in one direction, while Harry and I drifted in 
another. 

“ Now, my lad,” I said, when we had stood on one tack 
as long as we thought proper, “ we must part company 
for the present. I will meet you on the beach to-night : 
or if anything of importance occurs between now and 
then, let me know. Come to the hotel in your charactei 
of an Englishman, and speak to me.” 

There was the sound of more footsteps on the gravel. 
Harry heard them, drew his cap over his eyes, and scam- 
pered off towards the harbor, while I sauntered towards 
the hotel, yet in the direction of the approaching intruder. 

“ Hollo, Barnwell ! ” 

The Kentuckian stood before me as sober as on the day 
he was born ; and yet I had left him, two hours before, 
half crazy drunk, and lying on his bed with a prospect of 
having a long nap. I saw, though, what had sobered him. 
His dripping hair and damp shirt collar showed that he had 
dipped his head into a pail of iced water, and kept it there 
until the liquor had been driven from his brains — a re- 
sult obtained through a species of strangulation that was 
emphatically Kentuckian in its nature. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


208 


“ I thought you were asleep,” I remarked, as soon as I 
could recover from my surprise at seeing the man. 

“ Asleep ? What made you think that ? What do 1 
want to go to sleep for at this time of the day ? ” 

“ O ! ” I laughed ; “ I didn’t know but you would be 
tired.” 

“ Shucks I I’ve other things to think of jest at this 
time.” 

“ What occupies your thoughts that is of so much im- 
portance ? ” 

“ Well, I’ve been tr 3 dn’ to make it out whar I’ve seer 
that woman’s face.” 

“ What woman ? ” 

“ Why, the Georgia woman — that ’ere Mrs. Gowen.” 

“ And have you solved the difficulty ? ” 

“ I think I has.” 

“ Will you give me the information ? although, for that 
matter, I know all about her.” 

“ O ! you does, hey ? Well, then, ’tain’t much use to 
tell you all I knows ; so I’ll keep quiet for the present. 
Besides, I ain’t certain, arter all, that I’m jest right.” 

In spite of all that I could say, the Kentuckian would 
not open his lips to answer my question ; so in silence 
we returned to the hotel, and separated to dress for din- 
ner, which took place at five o’clock. 


204 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


CHAPTER VIL 

A SUDDEN ATTACK. — A RESCUE. — ON BOARD THE SPIT- 
FIRE. — A CAPTURE. — JOHN BULL MAKES A DISCOV- 
ERY. — A CHASE. — A RECOGNITION, AND WHAT CAME 
OF IT. 

In consequence of the disturbance that had occurred 
during the day, the tables were far from being crowded, 
some of the brave Southern exiles preferring to take their 
meals in their own rooms to appearing in the public hall, 
and encountering the terrible Kentuckian. Miss Rhett 
was present, as fascinating as ever, and full as liberal of 
her smiles, while Mrs. Gowen appeared, dressed with 
exquisite taste, with flowers in her hair, and displaying a 
pair of shoulders that were faultless in their proportions. 

She gave me a smile, and poor crushed Miss Rhett a 
frown, and then applied all her great talent to the task of 
mastering the details of her dinner, which I noticed she 
ate with great relish, while, to aid digestion, she did not 
scruple to pay frequent attention to a bottle of iced claret 
that had been placed at her right hand. 

I did not have much time to linger over the dessert ; 
for I recollected that I had business to occupy my atten- 
tion ; so, as soon as possible, I left the table ; but, as I 
looked back I saw that Miss Rhett and Mrs. Gowen had 
their eyes on me, as though suspicious of my movements. 

At the bar I shook off Bowmount, having flrst enticed 
him to enter into a discussion with an English officer on 
the relative positions of the North and South. I knew 
that he would talk, smoke, and drink all night if any one 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


205 


would keep him company ; so I felt sure that he would 
not interfere in my movements ; but just as I was passing 
down the entrance steps, who should come forward, and 
put his arm through mine, but that abominable wretch, 
Colonel Rhett I 

“ I am so glad to have company for an evening walk ! ” 
the man said, not taking the least notice of my expres- 
sion of disgust. “ Gently, my friend,” he continued ; for 
I had hoped to shake him off by a little rudeness. “ You 
forget that I am lame. That Bull Run wound will follow 
me to the grave.” 

We walked on for a moment or two in silence. At 
length I asked, — 

“ Have you any particular business with me. Colonel 
Rhett?” 

“ No ; I don’t think I have.” 

“ Will you walk by yourself, and release my arm ? ” 

“ Certainly, if you wish it.” 

But still he retained his hold on my arm, and walked 
along with me in the most composed and confidential 
manner. 

“ Colonel,” I said at length, in an abrupt manner, “ who 
in the fiend’s name are you? ” 

“ Colonel Rhett, at your service, sir.” 

We walked on in silence towards the beach, where I 
was to meet Harry and some of the men from the Stin- 
geree. The shades of evening began to fall, and conceal 
objects that were close to us ; yet still the colonel stuck 
close to me, and I began to suspect a second abduction, 
so kept my eyes open, and watched all the fellow’s move- 
ments. 

At last I saw Harry and two sailors standing near an 
overturned boat on the beach ; so I strolled towards them, 
and yet appeared to take no notice of the party. 

Still the colonel clung to my arm, and manifested no 


206 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


intention of relinquishing it. I began to get nervous 
and angry, wishing the man to the devil. 

“ Have you an appointment with anyone here ? ” I asked. 

“ No.’’ 

“ Then you had better run home, and take care of youi 
health. The dew is falling fast.” 

“ I don’t fear it, and I like your company too well to 
part just at the present time. See; isn’t one of the 
steamers firing up ? ” 

“ Yes ; I think so.” 

Just at that moment, four men strolled past us. The 
colonel gave them a keen glance, and then cried, in a tone 
that was intended to attract attention, — 

“ If she is firing uj), it is full time.” 

The men stopped, hesitated for a moment, and then 
came towards us. 

“ Yes,” cried the colonel, in a peculiar tone, and with a 
little manifestation of impatience. “It is full time, for 
the steam is up.” 

The men continued to edge towards us. 

“ What in the fiend’s name is the matter with you ? ” I 
asked the colonel. “ Can’t you keep still for a few mo- 
ments ? ” 

“ My wound,” he said, “ troubles me. Let me lean on 
you a little heavier.” 

He clasped my right arm so tight that I began to sus- 
pect the old fellow had more strength than I had given 
him credit for. 

“ What are you about ? ” I asked. “ Let go your hold.” 

“ I can’t, for it is time,” he answered in a loud tone, 
clinging to my arm with renewed energy. 

Just at that moment the four men who had been edging 
towards us made a rush, and almost before I was aware 
of the fact, I found that they had piled on to me. One 
big fellow seized me by the throat, seeming determined to 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


207 


choke the life out of me, while the hero of Bull Run 
made vigorous efforts to thrust something into my mouth 
to prevent my calling for help, at the same time clinging 
to my arm as though he was drowning, and needed con- 
siderable assistance. 

I struggled desperately ; but five to one, all strong 
men, tells in a short brush ; so was not surprised when 
-I found that the assailants had lifted me from my feet, 
and were throwing me to the ground, so that they could 
handle me to greater advantage. But by a mighty effort 
I freed one of my feet from an embrace, and with a force 
that must have told, planted it in the colonel’s stomach, 
just below his digestive organs. 

“ O I ” he yelled, releasing his hold, and placing both 
hands where my heel had struck ; and he did this while 
sailing stern first, like a Dutcli droger. 

But the others did not let me up ; and although I struck 
to the right and left, and inflicted some hard blows, draw- 
ing blood and curses at the same time, the four men got 
the better of me, and down upon the soft sand I was 
thrown. Then I thought it full time to use my voice, or 
what there was left of it. 

I shook the man’s paw from my mouth, and shouted, — 

“ Harry I to the rescue ! ” 

“Away, boys! away!” the lad shouted, dashing 
towards me, followed by two of the Stingerees, old B6n 
being of the number. 

They had been watching the struggle since its com- 
mencement, and awaited orders. They supposed me to 
be indulging in a little skylarking with some of my 
friends, and had no idea that the affair was serious until 
they heard me call for assistance. 

“ Board the bloody pirates I ” roared old Ben, the mas- 
ter’s mate. 

And then down upon the scamps they came, and in so 


208 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


ferocious a mood that the ruffians were compelled to drop 
me, and look after their own heads, in spite of the old 
colonel’s command to hold on to me at all hazards. 

“Whack!” I heard somebody hit; and over went 
one of the pirates, — a slung-shot in the hands of the 
master’s mate producing the result. 

“Down with ’em I ” yelled Harry, making a spring at 
the biggest of the party. 

But the fellow dodged, and ran like a hound, the middy 
after him. In the mean time, the rest of us were not idle. 
We had pitched in to the right and left, and soon finished 
the remaining assailants ; and then I had time to turn 
my attention to the Virginia colonel. 

The old fellow had seen how the battle ended, and was 
endeavoring to creep off on his hands and knees ; but 
when he found that it was impossible for him to escape, 
stopped, and raised a new cry. 

“ Give it to ’em, Barnwell,” he said. “ Don’t let ’em 
up. They begun it, and must suffer the consequences.” 

“ Why, you old traitor,” I exclaimed, “ what do you 
mean by such conduct ? ” 

“ Yes,” the old rascal whined. “ It’s mean enough the 
way they used you. If I hadn’t lost my foothold, I think 
we two would have beaten them off ; don’t you ? ” 

As he spoke, he attempted to get upon his feet ; but 
just as he was in a proper position, half stooping and half 
standing, I raised my foot, and gave him a most unmerci- 
ful kick on a not over sensitive part of his body. 

He went forward with a lurch, like a foundering ship 
in a heavy sea, and once more stretched his full length 
upon the sand. I left him, and went to the scene of the 
conflict to look over the list of killed and wounded. 

By this time Harry had returned, flushed with the exer- 
cise of running. 

“It is time that we were on the way to the shipping 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


209 


office,” whispered Harry. “ Some of our fellows must be 
there already. We must hurry up, or we shall lose the 
trick.” 

“ But what shall we do with these loafers ? ” growled 
Ben, pointing to two of the insensible pirates, whose heads 
had suffered from the effect of a slung-shot. 

Let them alone, and regain their senses the best 
way they can,” I replied. “ But as for the leader in this 
affair, we will take precious good care that he does 
not trouble us for the third time. Come and look at 
him.” 

We went to the spot where I had left the colonel 
insensible; but he must have regained his senses very 
soon after I departed ; for the old wretch had dis- 
appeared, and no trace of him could be found. We 
spent ten minutes looking over the beach, in hope of 
running the fellow down, but found that it was a waste 
of time. 

“ It is Useless to look for the old rat,” I said, when the 
men returned from their unsuccessful search. “ He is 
housed long before this. Now for the shipping-office.” 

“ And here is something to make a tar of you,” Harry 
cried, stopping by a boat that was overturned on the 
beach, and producing a blue shirt and a pair of duck 
pants. “ I suppose we must keep up appearances. You 
can leave your shore toggery here till such time as you 
want to resume it.” 

In a few minutes I was dressed as a sailor ; and then 
away we rolled towards Bucknor’s shipping-office, where 
we saw some twenty men lounging about the door, as 
though awaiting the arrival of some one. 

On inquiry, we found that Captain Duncan of the Spit- 
fire had not yet arrived ; but almost before the information 
was impai’ted to us, the master made his appearance ; and 
to my great satisfaction, saw that he had been dining. 


210 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


and had drank more wine than was wholesome for a man 
about to sail. 

“Well, b’ys,” said Duncan, with a strong Scotch 
accent, “ ye w^ant to ship in the Spitfire — do ye ? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” replied the Stingerees with one accord. 

As they spoke, they commenced working in pairs 
towards the master, so that those not in the secret would 
be pushed to the rear, and stand but a poor chance to be 
shipped. 

“ An’ ye dinna ken where ye is to go ? ” asked the 
master. 

“ No, sir,” was the blunt answer, “ and don’t care.” 

“ Faith, then ye is the b’ys for me ; so come in, and I’ll 
take twenty of ye. And be lively about it ; for we must 
be in blue water afore light in the mornin’.” 

We crowded into the office, and had the shipping-papers 
laid before us. By shrewd management, we succeeded in 
keeping from the documents all those who were not in the 
secret ; but while Ben was looking out for this, we found 
that the required twenty sailors were booked, and Ben 
was not among the number. 

“ There, men,” said Captain Duncan, “ I have all I 
want. Now cut stick for the ship as soon as ye loike.” 

“ But,” cried Harry, as ready with a yarn as midship- 
men usually are, “ here’s a man that must go. He’s my 
uncle, and a better sailor or gunner never walked a ship’s 
deck.” 

He pushed Ben towards the table to attract the cap- 
tain’s notice. 

“ I ha’ enough,” was the master’s answer ; “ an’ ye ken, 
nay boy, that enough is as good as a feast.” 

“ But he’s a thorough-built sailor,” pleaded Harry. 

“ There’s but little for a sailor to do on board the Spit- 
fire.” 

“ But there’s no gunner in the harbor that can compare 
with him. He served ten vears in the English navy.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


211 


“ That’s somethin’ in his favor,” muttered the master. 

Would ye be feared,” he continued, addressing Ben, “ to 
crack at one of the Yankee gunboats ? ” 

“ I should think not,” chuckled Ben. “ Jist give me a 
chance, and you’ll see.” 

“ Then I’U take ye,” said the captain ; “ for there’s no 
knowin’ what may happen. Can ye write yer name ? ” 

“ No, sir.” 

Most all of the men had confessed that they were 
unable to sign their names, so that they could the better 
sustain the characters they had assumed ; for it is well 
known that many of the great mass of foreign sailoi-s 
cannot read or write, owing to a defective education. 

Ben put his fingers to the pen, after the master had 
made a mark ; and then we were informed that we must 
go on board immediately, as the steamer was to sail in an 
hour or two, and off we went. 

We were pulled to the Spitfire, and mounted the lead- 
colored sides. At the gangway we were received by the 
mate — a burly Englishman, who had been drinking quite 
freely ; wishing success to the voyage, probably. 

The man had di’ank too much to notice that we had 
but little dunnage ; so we went to the forecastle, where 
we found some eight or ten dirty fellows — a cross be- 
tween coal-heavers and deck hands, without the generous 
characteristics and neatness of sailors. 

They did not welcome us, or show the least sign of 
pleasure at our appearance. They sat on their chests, and 
smoked their dirty black pipes, and drank some grog that 
they had managed to get hold of, without asking us to 
freshen our nips, or to share the forecastle, like good mess- 
mates. In fact, but one of them spoke to us ; and he was 
black and filthy enough for a Jordej. 

“ Ah ! ” he muttered, “ where does all of these ’ere 
South Spain boggies come from, — a tumbling in here as 
if they owned the ship?” 


212 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Where do vve come from ? ” repeated one of the crew 
of the Stingeree — a splendid specimen of a sailor, broad- 
shouldered and stout as Hercules. “We come from the 
shore. Where the deuce do you think we come from ? 
Hey?” 

He struck the fellow, as he spoke, on the back with 
the flat of his hand, intended as an introduction ; but the 
blow was so severe that the Jordey was almost knocked 
off his chest. 

“Look you, don’t do that ’ere,” cried the dirty-look- 
ing fellow, as he righted himself. “ If ye does, we’ll ha’ 
a fight.” 

“ Will we ? ” asked Hercules ; and with the utmost 
coolness he reached over, seized the black bottle that con- 
tained the grog, put it to his mouth, took a long swig, and 
then passed it over to his shipmates, who helped them- 
selves, and returned the empty bottle to the Jordey, who 
sat sullen and silent, not daring to make an effort to secure 
the liquor from the hands that had taken it. 

Just at this moment Harry whispered to me, — 

“ The Stingeree is under way, and poking her nose out 
of the harbor. Shall I make a signal that thus far all is 
right?” 

“ Yes ; but be careful how you manage it.” 

“ All right, sir.” 

Harry went on deck, where I followed him, leaving 
the men to pick out the bunks which each required, and 
make a great show of stowing away their clothes. 

I found that the engineers were getting up steam on the 
Spitfire. I looked into the engine-room, and saw half a 
dozen coal-heavers stripped to the waist, and heard an 
officer, apparently half drunk, giving orders about the 
machinery. I was satisfied that we should not encounter 
much opposition in the engine-room, so turned away, and 
found Harry in the bows of the steamer. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


218 


“ I made the signal,” he whispered, “ and the quarter- 
deck answered it. There’s anxious hearts on board the 
Stingeree just at this time. The captain is more nervous 
than ourselves, I’ll warrant.” 

“ Which is the engineer from the Stingeree ? ” I asked. 
“ I want to speak with him.” 

“ I’ll bring him to you. His name is Clark. He’s the 
third assistant, and a thorough smart fellow. He’ll make 
his way through the world ; for he knuws all about a 
boiler and steam, and such things, and thinks more of his 
engines than he does of the hull of the ship. You shall 
see him.” 

Harry returned to the forecastle, and came back with 
the third assistant — a modest-looking little fellow, with 
a coal smooch over his eyes as a designating mark. He 
was full of pluck and ambition, and just such a man as I 
needed. 

I led Mr. Clark and Mr. Reefpoint into the very eyes 
of the steamer, so that no one should hear us converse, 
and then asked the former if he was certain that he could 
take care of the engines, and start them when steam was up. 

“ If the engines are in order, I can take full charge of 
them. If they are out of order, which is not at all proba- 
ble, I can put them in order if you will give me time.” 

“That is something that I cannot do. We must start 
to-night, or all is lost.” 

“ Then let us commence operations at once,” whispered 
Harry. “ Steam is nearly up, and it is past ten o’clock.” 

I took a brief glance over the harbor. All was quiet. 
On board the British steam sloop of war Amazon, the 
sentry had just struck five bells, and all the blockade- 
runners in the harbor had followed suit. The last boat 
had left our ship, and the officers but waited for the mas- 
ter to come on board to give the orders to man the wind- 
lass. Most of the crews of the steamers lying near us had 


214 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


gone to sleep, after several noisy fights, the effect of liquor 
and liberty combined ; so that even if we had a slight 
struggle, it would attract but little attention. 

“ It is time,” I said. ‘‘ Pass the signal to Ben ; and 
then we will go aft, and operate on the quarter-deck.” 

Harry went to the house door, and struck three distinct 
blows with a handspike. 

“ It is time,” he said, and then closed the door, so 
that no noise could reach the after part of the steamer. 

Just at this moment, the third mate came forward to 
call the hands on deck. We could hear the struggle 
going on in the forecastle, and knew that, if the officer 
should notice it, he would raise an alarm. 

As the mate passed the foremast, we looked at each other 
and at the officer. 

“ It is time,” I said, throwing an arm around the mate’s 
throat, garroting him so effectually that not a single cry 
escaped his lips. 

Clark and Harry lent their assistance in holding the 
man ; and when we judged that he would remain quiet 
for a while, we laid him on deck, stuffed some oakum 
in his mouth, and lashed his hands behind his back with 
stout marlin. We had no more than concluded, before 
one of the crew of the Spitfire dashed off the house 
door, uttered a wild yell expressive of horror and fear, 
and then jumped on to the rail of the ship, and went 
overboard. 

“ Confusion ! ” I muttered. “ What shall we do now ? ” 

“ Do nothing,” answered Clark. “ Keep quiet, and 
swear that the man is drunk.” 

The noise that the man made was sufficient to attract 
attention ; so we were not surprised at hearing the chief 
mate sing out from the quarter-deck, — 

“ What’s that row there for’ard ? ” 

“ One of the new men is overboard,” I answered. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


21 ^ 


“ Is ho boozy ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ The blamed fool ! Let him stay there till he’s 5ober. 
lie can sink or swim, just which he likes.” 

When the ofl&cer had arrived at this state of feeling, 
old Ben emerged from the forecastle, looking as anxious 
as a marine. 

“ Whar is he ? ” whispered the master's mate, referring 
to the fellow who was in the water. 

“ Overboard.” 

“ Glad of it. Hope the fool will drown, and hanged 
to him.” 

What did you let him escape for ? ” 

“ Cos we didn’t know he was in the house. He was 
a snoozin’ in one of the bunks ; and, when the row roused 
him, he makes a rouse, and dives out^ and, the fust we 
knowed of him, he was a turnin’ flukes, and pipin’ like a 
landlubber.” 

“ But the rest of the men are secured, are they ? ” 

“ Yes ; they is all flat on their backs, with pieces of 
their shirts stuffed in their mouths, and their hands tied, 
and their eyes lookin’ wonderfully astonished at the treat- 
ment what they have received.” 

“ Now let us make all secure aft,” I said, as soon as Ben 
had finished his yarn. “ Call up the men, and we will 
proceed to work at once.” 

The men came on deck obedient to the call, and then 
we commenced preparations for securing the first and 
second mates. But, just as we were going aft, the sailor 
who had jumped overboard, and who was swimming for 
the shore, found that he had over-estimated his strength, 
and that he needed help to prevent him from sinking ; so 
he uttered some lusty cries, which could be heard all over 
the harbor, and which caused us to fear, that, unless the 
salt water soon filled his mouth, our plans would be dis- 
covered, and the project fail. 

15 


216 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Even the mate of the Spitfire could not help making an 
effort to save the poor fellow ; so he called from the 
quarter-deck, — 

“ Jump into the boat, three or four of you, and pick 
that man up.” 

“And bring him on board to have him blab, hey?” 
muttered Harry. “We don’t see it that way.” 

We made no answer to the summons, and remained 
quiet. 

“ D’ye hear ? ” roared the mate. 

“ Yes.” 

“ Then move lively ; or I’ll come for’ard, and help 
you.” 

The second mate came towards us ; but he had no sooner 
passed the mainmast, than he was seized, gagged, and 
thrown helplessly upon the decki 

Once more we waited patiently the next move. It soon 
came. The chief mate, enraged at the slowness with 
which his orders were obeyed, came forward, swearing 
like a sturdy Englishman. 

“ You lazy hounds I ” he said, “ I’ll start you with a 
rope’s-end. if I get among you. I’ll stir you up when we 
git in blue water ; you jest see if I don’t.” 

“Bah!” 

Some one uttered the bleat in mockery ; and it was 
enough to drive the Englishman mad. To be bleated at 
like a sheep was more than he could endure, and he sprang 
angrily towards us ; but, before he could use the pin 
he had snatched from the rail, a dozen strong hands were 
laid on him, and the man was a prisoner almost before he 
was aware of what had happened to him. 

“I’ll murder some of you for this,” the mate muttered. 

But these were the last words he uttered for some time ; 
for, as he opened his mouth, a quantity of oakum was 
thnist in, and his speech stopped. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


217 


The mats s limbs were lashed together ; and then he and 
his brother officers were thrown into the house, and two 
men placed as guard over the whole party, while the rest 
of us proceeded aft to search the cabin, and the engineer 
went below to secure the firemen and those who had 
charge of the machinery. 

All this was accomplished in a short time, and the vessel 
was ours — unlawfully, I will admit ; for we had no legal 
right to capture even a pirate in Nassau ; but stm, right or 
wrong, we had possession ; and that was something. But 
hardly had we congratulated each other on what we had 
accomplished, before we heard the sound of oars ; and the 
next moment a boat touched the side, and up the steps came 
the master of the steamer, followed closely by some half a 
dozen or more passengers. 

“ Gentlemen,” said the master, speaking to the passen- 
gers, “ the stewards will show you your state-rooms in case 
you want to stow away your traps. We shall be under 
way in half an hour. Mr. Fid, is the steam up ? ” 

“Yes, sir,” I answered, giving as beery a tone to my 
voice as possible, in imitation of the mate. 

“ Then man the windlass immediately.” 

The passengers had entered the cabin, following two of 
the men, who represented stewards, the night being so 
dark that it was impossible to distinguish them a fathom 
distant. 

Mr. Reefpoint and Ben looked to me for the ne^xt move. 
For a moment I hesitated, but the next I gave the signal. 
The master of the steamer ha^turned his back to us, and 
was aoout to enter the cabin, when an arm was thrown 
around his neck, and strong hands seized his limbs. He 
was a stout fellow, and made good use of his arms ; but 
numbers were too much for him, and down to the deck he 
went, uttering, as he fell, one wild cry for help. Then all 
was silent. 


215 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ What’s the row ? ” asked a familiar voice, as a head 
was protruded through the open cabin door. 

It was my old friend Colonel Rhett, with whom I had a 
long score to settle. The treacherous scoundrel had come 
on board with the master, but for what purpose I was at 
a loss to understand. 

‘‘ What’s the row ? ” repeated the colonel, stepping on 
deck. 

He could not see us distinctly, on account of the dark- 
ness, and also because he had just come from the light. 
In asking the question, he put his face close to mine, as 
though determined to see who I was. It was not my 
purpose that the man should see me on board the Spit- 
fire ; so, to prevent it in a measure, I just hit him on one 
of his eyes ; and down he went, all in a heap. 

“ Murder ! ” yelled the old villain. “ Mutiny ! murder ! ” 

We soon had the fellow’s mouth stuffed with oakum, 
and his hands secured behind his back ; and we were none 
too quick in doing the work ; for hardly had we stowed 
away our prisoners in the cabin, than we heard the long, 
steady strokes of men-of-war as they dipped their oars in 
the water, and urged a cutter over the bay. 

“The deuce I” growled old Ben. “Here’s a prettj 
mess of fish for us to cook. A boat from that old John 
Bull is pulling towards us. What shall* we do ? ” 

“ Do ? ” repeated Harry, with the boldness of a lion. 
“ Why, take ’em prisoners, and carry ’em to sea. That’s 
what we can do.” 

“ That’s spoken like a boy,” said the old salt, with a 
sneer. “No able seaman would give such advice as 
that.” 

“ I give such advice as I think would be beneficial in 
an emergency like this,” cried the midshipman, with a 
haughty gesture. 

Old Ben was about to make a cutting remark ; but I 
stopped him. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


219 


“ Avast,” I said. “ This is no time for yarning. All 
now depends on coolness. A single mistake, and we are 
lost.” 

“ Give yonr orders, sir, and we is ready to obey ’em,” 
remarked Ben, with a snap of his strong teeth through a 
plug of tobacco. 

I glanced over the rail, and saw that an eight-oared 
cutter was near us, and bound to come alongside. An 
officer had undoubtedly been sent to the Spitfire to investi- 
gate the cause of the loud cries which had been heard all 
over the harbor. 

There is no occasion for alarm,” I said to my subordi- 
nates. “ The ship is not yet lost, and will not be if you 
keep your weather eyes open. Go forward, Harry, and 
see that the men man the windlass. Ben, look to the 
cabin, and the prisoners there. Tell those who are 
stationed over them to crack their skulls if the least noise 
is made. All must be quiet, although I don’t care if the 
crew forward do get up a smart row, just to show 
that they have been bowsing up their jibs rather lively. 
Now, then, away you go to your duties. Set the men to 
work, and then return aft. Be lively and cautious.” 

I spoke in a tone of assumed confidence for the sake of 
assuring the two officers that there was no danger ; but I 
did not feel at ease, by any means ; and, when the cutter 
came alongside, I would have sold out my share of the 
prize-money of the Spitfire at a very small sum. As the 
boat touched the paddle-wheel, an officer seized the man- 
ropes, and came on deck, followed by four of his men ; 
and I noticed that all of them were armed. 

“ Where is the master of this steamer ? ” demanded the 
officer — a lieutenant, I judged. 

“ You are addressing him, sir,” I answered in a quick, 
curt tone, just to show John Bull that I did not tremble 

at the sound of his voice. 

S 


220 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ You have had considerable noise on board, sir,” the 
officer remarked. “ What is the meaning of it ? ” 

“ I should suppose that you had been in Nassau long 
enough to know that the liquor which is sold to seamen, 
by the sharks on shore, is fighting proof.” 

“ Yes ; I am aware of it.” 

“ Then there is no reason for me to explain that some 
of my men are drunk, and have had several knock-downs 
during the evening.” 

The officer turned to one of his men, and said, — 

“ Send that man on deck.” 

What man did he mean ? I had not the least idea ; so, 
while the command was being obeyed, I pretended to be 
occupied with matters that related to the ship. In a 
minute or two, over the rail crawled a dirty-looking sailor, 
who seemed to have been soaked in water, and then 
wrung out to dry. 

“ Do you recognize this man ? ” asked the lieutenant, 
turning to me, and holding up a lantern. 

“ Perhaps I should if some of the dirt was washed from 
his face,” I answered, wondering what he was driv- 
ing at. 

“ Tell your story. Bobbins,” commanded the officer, as 
though he was not to be trifled with. 

“ Veil, yer ’onor, I vos down below, and had heaten my 
supper, and vos a smokin’ of my pipe, ven a lot of coves 
comes in the forecastle, and they takes the grog out of our 
mouths, and then punches our heads, and puts marlin on 
our ’ands. I seed it all, and I jist cuts and runs, and 
jumps overboard, and I should have been drownded if it 
vos not for the boat vos picks me up.” 

“You hear the story, sir,” remarked the lieutenant, in 
a tone that showed he wanted an explanation. 

“ Yes ; I hear it. Have a cigar ? It’s one I brought 
from Havana, and a fair one. Steward, a light. Yes ; I 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


221 


hear the man’s story, and I’m sorry you picked up the 
drunken fool. He had ought to have sunk in the harbor, 
and remained there. Blast him I he’s given me enough 
trouble already.” 

“ Vy, this ha’n’t the skipper of the steamer I ” cried the 
sailor, quite dismayed at the manner in which I talked 
about him. 

I did not pretend to notice the remark, but continued, — 

“ Ever since the fellow has been on board, he has been 
drunk and quarrelsome. In fact, two thirds of my men 
have been drinking and fighting, so that at times I have 
had to employ all the sober ones to take care of those 
intoxicated. Such a crew I never saw before. Just come 
and look at the rascals.” 

Now, if the lieutenant had taken me at my word, all 
would have been lost ; for the true state of the case 
would have been discovered ; but the ofiBcer had seen 
enough drunken men not to desire to look at a fresh lot ; 
so he excused himself, and^declined to enter the forecastle. 

“ I tells you I VOS sober as I’m now sober,” cried the 
sailor, who was somewhat excited at my yarn. 

“ You are sober now, I hope,” I answered in a severe 
tone. “ If you are not. I’ll find a way to sober you when 
we are outside. Go forward, and man the windlass. Mr. 
Swivel,” speaking to old Ben, who was within hearing, 
“ see that this man is set to work. If he don’t stir his 
stumps, lay a rope’s-end over his back.” 

“ Ay, ay, sir,” was the answer ; and before the cockney 
could recover from his astonishment, or the lieutenant 
remonstrate, the fellow was bundled forward, and placed 
at the breaks of the windlass. 

So far we had succeeded to perfection ; but, just as the 
ofiScer was about to leave the deck, some one confined in 
a state-room got the gag from his mouth, and shouted, — 
Help I murder I ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


The lieutenant started, and seemed a little surprised. 
Then he listened most attentiyelj ; but no other sound 
greeted his ears. 

“ What is the meaning of that cry ? ” asked the ofl&cer. 

Before I could answer, Harry approached, and said, — 

“ Captain, the crazy man is awake, and is as violent 
as ever.” 

“ A crazy man on board ? ” asked the lieutenant. 

“ Yes,” I answered, with a cool lie. “ One of the 
passengers lost all he was worth by the capture of a block- 
ade-runner. His friends are sending him home, where he 
can be taken care of ; for, since he lost his fortune, he has 
also lost his reason.” 

“ Ah I a hard case. He has cause to curse the Yankees. 
Is he violent? ” 

“ At times. When he sees a person whom he suspects 
of being a Yankee, his ravings are shocking. I wish that 
he was on board of some other vessel, for it’s not pleasant 
to have the company of a lunatic.” 

“ I agree with you. Can I look at the poor fellow ? ” 

Now it struck me that the oflScer made the inquiry in a 
sarcastic manner, just as though he did not believe me : 
so I was at my wit’s end to substantiate my word. If I 
refused to exhibit the lunatic that I had spoken of, the 
officer would insist upon entering the cabin, and search- 
ing ; in which case the game was up, and we were all 
prisoners for breach of neutrality. But, while I was 
hesitating, Harry touched my hand, and whispered, so 
that none but I could hear, — 

“It’s all right. Let him enter.” 

“ You seem to have some objections to my looking at 
your patient,” the British officer remarked. 

“ O, no ! But I was thinking that the sight of your 
uniform might injure the lunatic. Come, sir, and see how 
the Yankees are hated.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


223 


We followed Harry to the cabin. All was quiet, and 
the doors of the state-rooms were closed, so that no slight 
sound could escape from them. A dim light burned in 
the centre of the cabin, and threw its feeble rays on one 
or two men who acted the part of stewards or jailers, sail- 
ors or fighters. They started up as we entered, but, on a 
sign, appeared to take no further interest in our move- 
ments. 

“This is the state-room, sir, that the poor fellow is 
confined in,’* said Harry, as he opened a door. 

The room was dark ; but no sooner was the door opened, 
than the most frightful oaths greeted our ears. 

“O, you blamed Yankees!” howled the poor fellow. 
“ Capture my vessel, will you ? All cotton, and lots of 
money to be made running the blockade. Ha, ha ! I’ll 
cheat ’em yet. All’s lost. They’ve got her. One, two> 
three. Three shots, and all miss. Up with the steam. 
Pile on tar and rosin. We must out-steam the Yankee. 
He don’t gain on us. Now, then, one more mile, and we 
shall be under the guns of the fort. Bang ! We are hit. 
AU’s lost.” 

A loud, wailing cry closed the rambling remarks. The 
lieutenant had heard enough. He retreated in some haste. 

“ Won’t you have a light, and look at the men ? ” I 
asked. 

“ No, no ; I’ve seen enough. What misery this civil 
war has produced ! ” 

“Yes; and we are not to blame for it. The Yankees 
forced it on us. We wanted peace.” 

“ So you did, and you will have it if you fight but a 
little while longer. The Yankees are about tired of it.’ 

“ Let me out of this. Help ! ” roared one of our 
prisoners, who had removed the gag from his niouth. 

“ Poor fellow I I shall have trouble with him before wa 
reach Wilmington,” I remarked, as we reached the cabin 
door. 


224 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


The officer seemed to notice that the voice was a little 
different ; but he appeared to think that it was the effect 
of lunacy. I must confess that I felt relieved when we 
once more reached the deck, and Ben came to me, and 
reported that the anchor was clear of the bottom. 

I touched the bell to let on steam — a strong hint 
for the lieutenant to take his departure ; but just at 
this moment the Englishman laid his hand on my arm, 
and said, — 

“ It won’t do, Mr. Yankee. Run the ship under the 
guns of Her Majesty’s ship. The trick was well planned, 
but it has failed.” 

The Englishman had discovered who we were, and all 
seemed lost. 

“ Yes,” said the lieutenant, after a significant pause. 
“ Your Yankee trick won’t go down this time. I sus- 
pected you all along, but thought I’d wait and see how 
far you would go in your peculiar business. It was well 
played, Mr. Yankee ; but John Bull is fully as sharp as 
you are. Run the steamer under the guns of the Ama- 
zon.” 

“ You have won,” I said, more for the purpose of gain- 
ing time than anything else. “ I thought that I had a 
sure thing ; but it seems that I had not. You English- 
men are smarter than I gave you credit for being.” 

The Briton chuckled, and assumed important airs im- 
mediately. 

“Yes,” he said; “we are the boldest and most ven- 
turesome race in the world. There is nothing we do not 
dare to undertake, however reckless.” 

“ Yet I doubt if you would have undertaken such a job 
as this.” 

I tried to laugh as I spoke ; but the effort was not suc- 
cessful. 

“ Pooh I this is nothing compared to what a Briton is 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


226 


capable of doing. If we were at war with you Yankees, 
not a ship in your harbors would be safe from our boats. 
We should cut them out, sir. We could do it, and we 
should, sir.” 

Suddenly, while I was listening to the Englishman’s 
blast of complacency, a mouth was placed close to my ear, 
and a whisper said, — 

“ Keep him yarning as long as possible. There is yet 
hope.” 

It was Harry’s voice. He had stolen aft in the dark, 
and communicated with me without the least suspicion on 
the part of the lieutenant, who was leaning against the 
fife-rail, smoking a cigar, and boasting of his smartness. 

^ Come,” I said, “ and take a glass of something. We 
have time enough, for we shan’t be under the guns of the 
ship for some time.” 

But the fellow fought shy on the liquor question, fear- 
ing some Yankee trick. 

“ No,” he said. “ I shall remain on deck until the 
steamer is anchored under the guns of the Amazon. No 
Yankee tricks on me, Mr. Violator of Neutrality.” 

As he spoke, I saw two of his men leave the cutter that 
was alongside near the steps of the wheel-house, and pass 
forward. 

“You are still suspicious of us,” I remarked for the 
purpose of continuing the conversation, glad that the 
lieutenant saw nothing. 

“ Yes ; I have to keep a weather eye open for people 
of your stripe.” 

Two more of the cutter’s crew passed over the rail, and 
walked forward. 

“ I am sorry that you don’t feel confidence in us,” I re- 
marked. “ What can we do to inspire it ? ” 

“ Jump overboard,” was the insulting answer. “ Such 
people as you ain’t much better than pirates.” 


226 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Two more of the English sailors came up the 8tep^^ 
and jumped to the deck. They were careless, and made 
80 much noise that the lieutenant’s attention was at- 
tracted. 

“ Hollo I ” he said, as soon as he saw the men. “ What 
are you doing on deck ? Go back to the boat, and don’t 
you leave it again till I order you to.” 

To my surprise and the lieutenant’s consternation, the 
men made no answer. They merely hesitated for a mo- 
ment, and then walked forward. 

“ By St. George ! ” exclaimed the enraged lieuten- 
ant ; “ but I won’t stand such blamed insolence. Come 
back, you beggars ; or I’ll make you.” 

He started to follow the men ; but they disappeared in 
the darkness, and the baffled officer returned aft, and 
looked eagerly over the rail into the boat. 

“ Brown I Jones I Riley ! ” he cried. 

There was no answer. 

“ Hollo ! ” he continued impatiently. “ Are you all 
asleep ? ” 

Still there was no response to the officer’s demand. 

“ If I come down there,” he cried, getting decidedly 
angry, “ you will talk and walk rather lively.” 

No attention was paid to the threat. This surprised 
me ; for I certainly supposed there was at least one man 
in the boat. 

The lieutenant could endure no more. He sprang to 
the rail, and went quickly down the side steps. 

No sooner had he disappeared, than Harry touched me 
on the arm; and turning, I saw the youngster with a 
bj*oad grin on his mischievous face. 

“ It’s all right, sir,” he said. “ We have ’em, sure.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ I mean that we have played them another Yankee 
trick, and that the steamer is still in our possession.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


227 


“ Explain. And be lively about it ; for the Englishman 
is cursing like a pirate, and will soon be on deck.” 

“ Well,” said Harry, “ we enticed the fellows forward 
on the plea of having a drink ; and after they had swal- 
lowed about a gallon of whiskey, it was not hard to put 
them under hatches, where they are, safe and sound.” 

And now we must deal with the lieutenant,” said I, 
in a low tone. “ Hark I here he comes, tearing mad.” 

“ What is the meaning of this ? ” roared the Briton as 
he touched the deck. “ My men are all gone.” 

“ It means that you are a prisoner. Give up your pis- 
tols and sword.” 

The officer started back, and laid a hand on a pistol ; 
but old Ben and Harry clapped their paws on him, and 
held him fast, in spite of struggles and oaths. 

“ Do you dare to lay your hands on me ? ” demanded 
the Briton. 

“Yes, and shall keep them on unless you are civil. 
Realize your situation. You are a prisoner for the pres- 
ent. Resistance is useless; so don’t compel us to be 
rough.” 

I stepped to the tube that connected with the engi- 
neer’s room, and gave orders to go ahead at moderate 
speed. 

While I was speaking with the engineer, the lieutenant 
broke away from Ben and Harry, and ran aft, and before 
we could prevent him, had ha^ed the Amazon, which 
was lying about a cable’s length from us. 

“ Amazon, ahoy I ” he cried ; but before he could utter 
another word, Ben’s huge hand was upon his throat, and 
for a time his breath was stopped. 

“ Hollo I ” came the answer back from the sloop of war. 

I knew that some answer must be returned, or suspicion 
would be excited. There was no time to lose. Imitat- 
ing, as well as I was able, the Englishman’s voice, I 
•honied,-— 


228 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE 


“ The steamer is all right, and will proceed.’^ 

“ Very well,” came back in surly tones, as though the 
officer of the deck wondered what in the fiend’s name was 
the use of hailing to convey such information. 

“ You shall suffer for this,” our prisoner gasped, as soon 
as he could recover his breath. 

“ Perhaps we shall ; but we will take good care that 
you keep quiet, nevertheless.” 

All this time we were slowly leaving the harbor and 
vessels astern of us. We were steaming along at the rate 
of five knots an hour, — just such a rate as would 
not attract attention, or make the officers of the Amazon 
think that we were over-anxious to leave their com- 
pany, — and just as we supposed we were all clear, the 
dull report of a gun from the spar-deck of the gunboat 
startled us. 

“ What does that mean, Ben ? ” I asked ; for the old 
master’s mate stood near me, helping me pilot the steamer 
out of the harbor. 

“ It looks like a signal to get under way, sir, and a re- 
call of the cutter at the same time. We had better turn 
the officer loose, and let him shift for himself in the boat.” 

“ But the crew who accompanied fiim. What shall we 
do with them ? ” 

“ Let ’em be on board, sir. They is all asleep, primed 
with whiskey ; and it would be a pity to disturb ’em. 
When they wakes up, they will be satisfied. I’ll warrant 
you.” 

We disarmed the lieutenant, and in spite of his remon- 
strances, made him enter the cutter, and then oast off the 
painter, and the boat dropped astern. 

“ Give our love to your shipmates,” I said. “ The next 
time you want to get ahead . of the Yankees, you must look 
out for their tricks.” 

He cursed us in great shape, and the last thing that we 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 229 

heard was a solemn vow to overhaul and sink us before 
we got clear of the shoals. 

“ Now, then, what will you do ? ” asked Ben, as the 
cutter disappeared from sight. “ Can’t you go along 
with us?” 

“ No, Ben,” I said. “ I can’t go with you just at pres- 
ent. I must return to the shore, and thus save myself 
from suspicion. You know what to do with the steamer 
as well as I. Keep on until you sight the Stingeree. She 
is lying near Hog Island, somewhere, on the watch. 
Steam on until you are out of neutral waters. Then 
a round sho-t or a blank cartridge can stop you. But 
above all things, don’t let the Bull Dog overhaul you. 
Burst the boiler before you permit such a thing.” 

The steam was shut off, the dingey hauled up, and once 
more I shook hands with the officers, and then descended 
the side. 

Just at that moment I heard the discharge of a gun, 
and saw by the flash^that it came from the English sloop 
of war. 

“ Clap on steam,” I shouted. “ The Bull Dog is after 
you.” 

“ Ay, ay ; but he must catch us afore he crows too 
much I ” growled Ben ; and with the words the painter 
was cast off, and away the steamer went at the rate of 
twelve miles an hour. 

“ A stern chase is a long chase,” I muttered, as I lay on 
my oars, and followed the course of the two vessels. 
Then, recollecting that the hour was late, I once more 
applied mj^self to work, and pulled in shore, working 
along the beach until I gained a good landing. After 
stepping from the boat, I gave it a shove, and sent it out 
into the tide-way, where it met the current, and drifted 
seaward, thus destroying all evidence of my complicity 
with the seizure. 


230 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


When I set foot on land, it was about eleven o’clock, 
and all was quiet on the beach. I met but few persons as 
I walked towards the town ; and none of those spoke to 
me, for the reason that I was dressed in the garb of a 
sailor, and did not present a very promising aspect to 
those who made Nassau their headquarters, and who 
would have hanged me like a dog if they had known 
the business in which I had been engaged but an hour 
before. 

When I reached the hotel, I found that about all the 
guests had retired for the night, so that no one noticed 
me as I stole up stairs, and went to bed, tired with the 
fatigues and adventures of the day. 

I dreamed of Englishmen, blockade-runners, Mrs. 
Gowen, Hatty Blank, Colonel Rhett, and the amiable 
daughter of that Virginia hero ; until the gong sounded 
for breakfast, and down to the dining-room the guests 
flocked, eager for their coffee and fresh fish. 

On the stairs Bowmount seized my arm. 

“ Wan’t I a little tight last night when I went to bed ? ” 
he asked. 

He didn’t know of my absence from the hotel during 
the evening, it seemed, by the question. 

“ Well, you were a little over the bay,” I remarked. 

‘‘ But not noisy, you know. I wasn’t in an argufying 
mood, now was I ? ” 

“ No ; I think not. You seemed to enjoy your liquor 
in a rational way, and didn’t want to fight but one man 
during the evening.” 

This was a guess on my part, and it seemed that I was 
correct ; for the Kentuckian said in an apologetic man- 
ner, — 

“ Bub, ye see, the fellow would run down the Yankees, 
and I kept tellin’ him to stop. A man what drinks my 
whiskey^ and don’t agree with me, h^d better cut than 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


231 


stay round and kick up a row with a peaceable man like 
me. I told the bloody fool to stop ; but he wouldn’t. But 
you seed it all, and knows that I wasn’t to blame ; now 
don’t you ? ” 

“ Not so much as you are sometimes. But no harm was 
done.” 

“ No. Shucks I didn’t the coward run and leave us ? ” 

I pretended to acquiesce in this statement, for the rea- 
son that I might want the Kentuckian as a witness to 
prove that I was in his company all the evening, in case 
any one should assert I was on a “ cutting-out ” expedi- 
tion the night before. Little did I think, when such 
thoughts passed through my mind, that I should need just 
such assistance, before long, as Bowmount could render. 

We sat down to the table, Bowmount on my right, 
and a fat little fellow from Charleston on my left. He 
had escaped from South Carolina to avoid the conscrip- 
tion ; althongh, according to his own story, he was help- 
ing his government by picking up items that would be 
beneficial to all concerned. 

Just opposite to me was a vacant chair, and I hoped 
that Miss Rhett or Mrs. Gowen would take possession of 
it. But neither lady liked the location ; so they gave it a 
wide berth, when they saw the Kentuckian. 

I had just ordered my breakfast, and was sipping my 
coffee to see if it was to my taste, when some one entered 
the dining-room, and took the vacant chair. As he made 
considerable noise in seating himself, some attention was 
attracted ; and in looking up, I saw, to my surprise, that it 
was the English naval officer who had boarded the Spitfire 
the night before, and who had been turned adrift in his 
own boat, after he thought he had matters his own way. 

There was a peculiar feeling in the region of my heart 
when I realized how near I was to danger. But it was 
only for a moment. I soon regained all of my coolness, 
16 


232 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


and awaited an attack with becoming resignation, and 
faith in my supreme impudence to repel it. 

The storm burst in less time than I had anticipated. 

The naval officer had just sweetened his coffee and 
taken one glance around the table, when his eyes fell 
on my face. 

I could hear him breathe hard as the fact became im- 
pressed upon his mind that I was the same person who 
had played him such a Yankee trick the night before. 

In the mean time I had assumed one of my most indif- 
ferent looks, and appeared to be eating my breakfast as 
though I enjoyed it, while I pleasantly chatted with the 
Kentuckian and the little fat Charleston fellow, who was 
only too glad to have me notice him. 

“ I beg your pardon, sir,” said the Englishman, speak- 
ing across the table, and turning very red in the face, 
while he breathed as though laboring with an asthma. 

“ Did you speak to me, sir ? ” I asked, looking at the 
victim in an inquiring manner, as though surprised at 
being addressed. 

“ Yes, sir ; I did.” 

“ 0 I Well, what do you require ? ” 

“ When did you come on shore ? ” asked the English- 
man. 

“ Let me see ; when did we land here, Bowmount? ” 

I turned to the Kentuckian as though I had forgotten 
the day. 

“ Two weeks ago yesterday.” 

“ So it was. Do you hear, sir ? ” 

“ I mean, sir, at what hour did you land this morning 
from the Spitfire?” 

I looked at the Kentuckian as though demanding an 
explanation. 

“ What the deuce does he mean ? ” I remarked. 

“ Hang me if I know. Throw a cup at his head, and 
bee if it won’t bring him to his senses.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


28 a 


This was said in a whisper. I did not follow the ad- 
vice, for the time had not yet arrived for honest indigna- 
tion. 

“ My meaning, sir,” said the lieutenant, in as calm a 
tone as he could assume, considering the importance of 
the accusation, “ is quite simple to a man of your sharp- 
ness.” 

“ Do you intend to cast any reflections on me, sir ? ” 

“ I simply want an understanding, sir.” 

“ Well, sir, you can have it ; only be lively about it ; 
for I want to eat my breakfast in peace.” 

“Did you ever see me before, sir?” demanded the 
Englishman. 

“ I should think not, and you will excuse me if I add 
that I have no desire to see you again.” 

Some of the people at the table, who heard the answer, 
laughed quite heartily, and among them was the little fat 
fellow from Charle^on. It seemed as though he would 
choke, he appeared so pleased. 

“It is useless to return any such answers to me, sir, 
because I know you.” 

“ That’s more than he does himself when he has fin- 
ished six whiskey-punches,” put in Bowmount with a 
growl, that produced another laugh ; but the naval officer 
did not smile. The subject was too serious for him to 
exhibit much mirth. 

“ What have you on your mind? ” I asked, as soon aa 
the laugh had somewhat subsided. “ Come ; speak plain- 
ly, and let me know.” 

“Were you on board the blockade-runner Spitfire last 
night ? ” 

“ No ; were you ? ” 

The lieutenant did not relish the answer ; for he raised 
his voice, as he said, — 

“ You can’t deceive me. I recognized you. You were 


234 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


on board the Spitfire last night, and helped capture her in 
the harbor, and set me adrift in a boat after getting my 
men drunk.” 

“ O Lord ! but that must have been a Yankee trick,” 
roared Bowmount. “ Hang ’em I they is capable of most 
Anything. We isn’t safe in our beds. Afore we knows 
it, they’ll hitch on to this bloody island, and tow us in one 
of their harbors ; and then we shall wake up prisoners in 
Fort Warren, or some other place. If the English ain’t 
no cuter than they has shown themselves, they won’t have 
a ship left by the time the war has finished. Shucks I 
but I wish it was J ohn Bull we was fighting, instead of 
our own flesh and blood.” 

This remark was followed by a slight hiss from some 
of the Southerners ; and the sound excited the Kentuck- 
ian, as I knew it would. In an instant he began to grow 
ugly. 

“ This bluster won’t turn me aside,” remarked the offi- 
cer. “ I know both of you now. You each performed a 
part on board the Spitfire. Both of you are pirates.” 

Before he had a chance to utter another word. Bow- 
mount had hurled coffee-cup, saucer, and hot coffee, full 
at the head of the Englishman ; and all three of the 
articles struck where they were aimed. 

The naval officer was rather surprised at being saluted 
in the manner that Bowmount had chosen to adopt. 

His first attempt was to clear the coffee from his eyes, 
and to brush the crockery ware from his hair ; and after 
he had performed those operations, he turned to Bow- 
mount, and in a voice that was tremendous with rage, 
said, — 

“ You and your Mend shall suffer for this. I know 
both of you.” 

“ Well, I’m very sorry for the information ; for I don’t 
want your acquaintance. I’m particular on that p’int if 
I ain’t on others.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 235 

“ YouVe committed a gross outrage, sir, and shall suffer 
for it. I’m in her majesty’s navy, sir.” 

“ Shucks I I don’t care if you is in it or out of it. In 
Old Kaintuck, we settle such things in short order. There 
is few words ; and what there is of ’em, is sharp, and to 
the p’int. You will know where to find me when you 
wants to see me.” 

“ Mr. Bowmount,” I said in a firm tone, “ I shan’t 
allow this to go any further. If there is any quarrel, this 
gentleman and I must be allowed to settle it.” 

“No you don’t,” was the reply. “Ihain’t hada 
fancy fight since I left Kaintuck, and I don’t mean U 
disappinted now.” 

As we passed out of the dining-room, Mrs. Go wen s 
in the door of the ladies’ parlor, and beckoned to me. 

I entered the apartment, and the lady led me to 
farther end of the room, and said in a low tone, — 

“You must leave the island. If you remain here 
another day, you will be arrested and imprisoned. Do 
not delay, but go at once. You have no time to lose.” 

“ Who is to arrest me ? ” 

“ The British officer whom you quarrelled with a mo- 
ment since.” 

“ I didn’t quarrel with him. Bowmount was the one.” 

“No mattt r for that. Both of you are marked for im- 
prisonment. 1 overheard the officer tell another Eng- 
lishman that he was going to lodge a complaint against 
both of you for being concerned in the cutting out of the 
Spitfire.” 

“ 1 only laugh such an absurd accusation to scorn.” 

“But there is trouble in the charge. Go you must. I 
shall go with you. I have business in Georgia. My hus- 
band also, must go and look after his affairs.” 

Just at this moment, into the parlor came Bowmount. 

“ Shucks, Barnwell I ” he said ; “ but they is arter us, 


236 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


and no mistake. What do you think they accuse us of ? 
Of piracy. That Britisher says we is on it. I call it 
mighty uncivil to talk that way about a man wliiat is en- 
gaged to fight a duel with yer ; now ain’t it ? ” 

“ It is hard.” 

“ Yes ; and what is worse, I don’t believe the feUer will 
see me. I has just been told to run for it, ’cos they is 
goin’ to take us both for cuttin’ out the Spitfire. It’s 
little we knows about her. Hang the chap ! if I gets a 
crack at him. I’ll make him feel it for life; now you 
see if I don’t.” 

“ But what shall we do ? ” I asked. “ If we remain, 
and are arrested, who will go bail for us ? ” 

“ Hang me if I know. I s’pose the fellers would be 
glad to see me under lock and key out of their sight.” 

“ Yes ; but as far as the Spitfire is concerned, we can 
prove that we know nothing about her. But the question 
is, will they listen to us until they get ready to hear what 
we have got to say ? ” 

“ Of course they won’t,” muttered Bowmount, per- 
plexed. 

“ Then don’t remain here,” cried Mrs. Gowen, with all 
the nervous excitement of a Southern woman. “ Leave 
Nassau as soon as possible. A steamer sails at noon.” 

Yes,” slowly muttered the Kentuckian ; “ we can go 
in her jest as well as not, ’cos half of her belongs to me.” 

“ Why, I didn’t know that you had been speculating,” 
I remarked,' in a somewhat surprised tone. 

“ ’Cos I wanted to startle yer. While ye thought I was 
drunk, and full of fight, I was at work. Yes, sir ; I owns 
half of the steamer, and most of the cargo. She’s called 
the Belle, and she’s purty enough to be called so.” 

“ Is she fast? ” I asked, as I thought of the Stingeree. 

“ Wal, I don’t think the Yanks has anything in their 
navy that will touch her. But keep mum. I has a plan 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


237 


to propose. I wants a captain for my steamer. The one 
what I had is down with some kind of sickness. You 
must go and take charge of her.” 

“Perhaps Mr. Barnwell is not quite proficient enough 
to take charge of a steamer,” the lady remarked, in a 
tone that was intended to be kind ; but I thought it a 
little sarcastic. 

“ Don’t you believe all that,” was the reply of Bow- 
mount. “He knows all about a ship. Weren’t we pas- 
sengers together, and didn’t he tell what I didn’t know 
about? I ain’t afeared to trust him with my vessel, I 
ain’t. If he says he’ll go, we’ll give ’em the slip in no 
time ; and afore they opens their eyes, we’ll be out of 
sight.” 

I still hesitated, butj;he Kentuckian continued : — 

“If we gets in all safe, it puts ten thousand dollars in 
gold in your pocket, and a hundred thousand in mine. 
There’s risks to run, but we can’t make money without 
some venture.” 

There was no way that I could escape without enraging 
the Kentuckian, and endangering my own safety ; so after 
a moment’s more reflection, and thinking what excuse 
I could offer to the navy department, I agreed to take 
charge of the steamer, and try a trip to Charleston, which 
I knew was pretty closely blockaded, and therefore cap- 
ture, I was almost certain, would follow. 

“ I take all the risks,” the Kentuckian said. “ If we is 
took, there’s so much money out of our pockets. If we is 
lucky, there is so much money in. Pack up, and pay 
your bills, and then go on board. As for me, I must steal 
off the best way I can.” 

Leave me to take care of your baggage,” said Mrs. 
G«Dwen. “ I will bring it off with me.” 

“ Then you insist upon being a passenger ? ” I asked. 

Yes ; I must go to Georgia. I am needed there.” 


288 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ A state-room is at your service,” Bowmount said. 

He did not appear in the least surprised at the deter- 
mination. 

“ Your husband will accompany us, will he ?” was the 
only question asked. 

“ He wiU.” 

“Then I will leave you to see that our traps is or 
board, while I tends to other things. You see we ain’t nc 
time to lose.” 

The Kentuckian pointed out of the window. Coming 
up the gravel walk, we saw six police officers, and at theii 
head marched the naval officer whose face had been bap- 
tized in coffee. 

“ I think I could lick ’em all,” growled the Kentuck- 
ian, as he rested his hand on the formidable bowie-knife 
that reposed in his bosom. “ Is it best to tackle ’em ? ” 

“No. Discretion is the better part of valor just at 
present Mrs. Gowen, will you be kind enough to pay 
our bills? We must leave.” 

Bowmount leaped from the piazza to the ground, and 1 
followed. 

We met no one belonging to the hotel until we were 
near the street that led to the harbor. Then we came 
plump upon Soul4, with a despatch-box under his arm. 

“ Where are you fellows going ? ” he asked. 

“ Not far.” 

“ Then I will join you. I want to put these despatches 
for the confederate government on board a steamer that 
is to sail in a day or two.” 

“ Do you mean the BeUe ? ” Bowmount asked. 

“Yes.” 

“ Hand them here. Don’t say a word, but we are going 
on board that steamer. Don’t mention that you have 
seen us.” 

The Kentuckian snatched the box from the spy’s hand, 



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RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 239 

and walked off before the fellow knew what to think of 
the matter. 

“We don’t want him poking along with us,” Bow- 
mount said ; and Soul 6 appeared to think the same thing, 
for he stood looking after us for a moment, and then 
walked towards the nearest billiard-saloon, to compose hia 
feelings by knocking about the balls. 

We found one of the steamer’s boats at the mole ; and 
without waiting a moment tumbled in, and ordered the 
men to pull us on board. 

Luckily the sailors knew Bowmount as one of the new 
owners of the Belle ; so they made no objection to obey- 
ing orders. 

As we pulled past the English sloop of war Amazon, the 
companion steamer to the Bull Dog, we turned away our 
heads to prevent the officers on the quarter-deck from rec- 
ognizing us, as they would have done had they seen our 
faces. 

In a few moments the boat was alongside the blockade 
runner, and I had a fair view of my charge. She was a 
snaky-looking craft, painted lead color, set low in the 
water, with a stem like a razor, and run like a yacht. She 
had paddle-wheels, and was rigged like a brig forward 
and schooner aft, with patent caps and fids to her masts, 
so that they could be housed in ten minutes in case of a 
head wind, or if it was necessary to make as little display 
01 top-gear as possible. 

We went forward, and found two ten-pound Whit- 
worth guns and several small swivels secured to the rail ; 
but they were evidently more for show than use, as the 
Belle meant to show her heels to a foe, and not her teeth. 

The cabin was small, but neat, with six good-sized 
state-rooms, and one for the master, which was extra large, 
and lumbered with charts and all the instruments needed 
to define a ship’s position at sea or near the shore. From 


240 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the cabin we went to the engine-room, where Bowmount 
introduced to me the engineers, both of them natives of 
New York. Smart-looking fellows they were ; but it was 
evident that they thought more of gold than they did of 
the country that claimed them. 

“ I found ’em in Nassau, and took ’em in preference to 
Englishmen,” whispered Bowmount. “ They’ll keep up 
steam, or bust the darned b’ilers ; you see if they don’t.” 

“ Are they to be trusted ? Are you sure of them ? ” 

“ Yes ; ’cos they have made two trips already, and piled 
up the profits, now I tell you.” 

I was compelled to believe the men honest as far as 
their work was concerned. 

“Now let me tell you one thing,” said the Kentuckian^ 
as we returned to the cabin, after seeing that fires were 
started under the boilers. “ I has put my all in this ven- 
ture. I bought out the captain’s half, ship and cargo, and 
paid him the cash for ’em — in gold, Barnwell; aU in 
gold. If we gets her through, I shall make something 
handsome. If I returns with cotton, a fortune is mine^^ 
and I need run no more risks.” 

“ But what does the cargo consist of? ” 

“ O, arms, cloth, and some other things what will sell, 
and be useful to the confederates.” 

I could hardly prevent groaning at the position in which 
I found myself. I did not want to ruin a man who placed 
so much confidence in me, and yet I did not like betraying 
my country. 

“ What’s the matter ? ” asked the Kentuckian, whc 
noticed that I looked thoughtful. 

“ Nothing ; but I am sorry that you have placed ali 
your eggs in one basket.” 

“ But, if they should hatch, I shall have some glorious 
chickens.” 

“ Yes,” I sighed ; “ if you are successful, the chickens 
may pay you for your trouble.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


241 


“Well, Barnwell,” — and the man extended his heavy, 
dark hand, — “ I trust to you. Do the best you can for 
me, and you shan’t lose anything.” 

“ Yes ; I’ll do the best I can for you,” I answered, 
determined to trust to luck, and stand by him. 

J ust at that moment the mate put his head in the cabin, and 
said that a lady was coming alongside. I went on deck, and 
saw that it was Mrs. Gowen, and her mulatto servant John. 

“ Shall we move as soon as steam is up ? ” I asked Bow- 
mount, who came on deck to see what was going on. 

“ Yes ; I’m aU ready. Let her rip when you are.” 

I gave the order to man the windlass, and in a short 
time the chain was all in, the anchor catted, and the Belle 
steaming out of the harbor. 


CHAPTER Vm. 

AT SEA. — A STRANGE STEAMER. — COLONEL RHETT 
TURNS XTP AGAIN. — HIS STORY. — A STERN CHASE. — A 
RUN FOR CHARLESTON. — RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. — 
THE SIGNALS. — A HAIL. — A CLOSE SHAVE. — A RUSE. 
— MAKING SIGNAIiS. — A CROSS ADMIRAL. — COLONEL 
RHETT AGAIN IN TROUBLE. — INSULTING AN ADMI- 
RAL. — COLONEL RHETT EXPLAINS. — AN INVITATION, 
AND WHAT CAME OF IT. 

During the evening, Mrs. Gowen, who had kept close to 
her state-room, came on deck to inhale the cool air, and 
enjoy a few moments’ conversation with the master of the 
vessel. The instant Bowmount saw her, he prepared to 
sheer off, and give her quiet possession of the quarter-deck ; 
but I saw his intended movement, and stopped him. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Why do you crowd on sail, and run for a harbcir, the 
instant that lady shows her signals ? ” I asked. 

“ Because,” was the blunt answer, “ she don’t care for 
me. Yer see I ain’t gentle enough to suit a woman like 
her ; so we had better keep a good ways apart.” 

“ But recollect you have not told me the mystery con- 
nected with the lady.” 

“Hain’tl?” 

I thought the man showed an inclination to chuckle. 

“No,” I said, decidedly. “You know that you have 
not.” 

“ Well, the time hasn’t arrived yet for me to open my 
mouth. You is contented as you is ; and what’s the use 
of yer tryin’ to pry into darkness ? ” 

Then, with a laugh that sounded a little malicious, the 
Kentuckian walked to the waist of the steamer, and 
looked out upon the waters, which sparkled like myriads 
of diamonds in a carpet of green. 

Mrs. Gowen was assisted to the poop-deck by her ser- 
vant John, the light mulatto, who seemed as attentive as 
a lover, and as careful as a father. She took a seat on a 
hencoop, and then dismissed the slave. The fellow left 
the quarter-deck rather reluctantly; and I thought he 
cast an ominous look at me as he did so, as though I was 
the cause of his misfortune in being separated from a 
beloved mistress. 

“You have managed to keep yourself secluded during 
the day,” I remarked, taking a seat by her side. 

“ I had a motive in not appearing on deck, Barnwell.” 

“ Will you confide it to me ? ” 

“ Yes ; because I trust you. Has Mr. Bowmount told 
you one word concerning me, past or present ? ” 

“ Not a syllable has he lisped respecting you or your 
weKare.” 

She seemed to utter a sigh of relief. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


248 


“ Yet you have spoken to him about me ? ** 

“Yes, several times. But he shakes his head, and 
llie conversation ends.” 

“ I had no idea that men had so much curiosity.” 

A little later Mrs. Gowen returned to the cabin. I 
remained on deck until past twelve ; and then- finding 
that the night was clear and calm, and that nothing was 
in sight except sand-keys, I retired, and went to sleep, 
and was not disturbed till morning. Then the mate 
touched me on the shoulder, and I was awake in an 
instant. 

“ Beg pardon, sir, for disturbin’ yer afore six bells ; but 
there’s a steamer jist off our starboard-bow.” 

“ Ah I What does it look like ? ” 

“ A Yankee, I think, sir. Looks like one o’ them ’ere 
new gunboats. She’s got steam up, but is lying quiet, 
like, as though waiting for us.” 

“ How far are we from land ? ” 

“ One of the keys is about ten miles from us.” 

“ Well, we will run into neutral waters, and see if we 
can shake him off in case he is hostile.” 

I went on deck, and took a look at the stranger. I did 
not have to glance through the glass a second time to con- 
vince myself that I had once more encountered the Stin- 
geree, and that she was waiting for us. For a moment I 
hesitated, and argued if I had not better give up, and 
surrender the ship to those authorized to make such 
captures ; but when I reflected, that, if I did, I should no 
longer oe useful as a secret agent, that I should probably 
lose my life at the hands of the enraged Kentuckian or 
some of the men, and finally that I should forfeit all confi- 
dence on the part of Mrs. Gowen, who had learned to 
look upon me in the light of a brother, — when I thought 
of aU these considerations, I decided on doing all that 
remained in my power to save the vessel. So I altered 


244 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the course of the steamer, intending to hug the shore, and 
get within neutral waters, where the Stingeree would not 
be likely to venture ; but, even if she did, I was satisfied 
that the Belle could, by the aid of her speed, keep out of 
the reach of long shot or broadside guns. 

Just as I altered the course of the vessel, the Stingeree 
hoisted a white flag, and fired a gun to leeward. 

“ That means, ‘ I want to speak to you,’ ” I said to 
Bowmount, who had turned out, and come on deck. 

“ He’s a Yankee, ain’t he ? ” growled the Kentuckian. 

“ Yes.” 

“ And he’s got a white flag flying ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Well, then run towards the feUer. I’ll trust a Yankee 
with a flag of truce where I wouldn’t trust some other 
people.” 

He might have meant the confederates ; but he did not 
say so. 

“ If we put our heads in the lion’s mouth, you must 
bear the responsibility,” I remarked. “ I will not.” 

“ All right. Shucks I I ain’t afeared to trust the Yan- 
kees. They’ll ginerally keep their word. Run towards 
him, and see what he wants. I take all the risk.” 

“ You hear, Mr. Thimble, what the owner says ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“Very well. Remember I’m not responsible for 
accidents.” 

The Kentuckian laughed, and lighted a cigar ; while I 
gave orders for hoisting a white rag, and' changed the 
course of the steamer. Then I slipped into my state-room, 
and put on a pair of white whiskers, and a wig that was 
venerable on account of the number of gray hairs it con- 
tained. I had no idea of allowing Captain Switchell to 
see my face, and recognize it. 

“ Hollo ! ” said Bowmount. “ What do you mean by 
that rig?” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


245 


I gave an excuse that was satisfactory ; and it pleased 
the Kentuckian so much, that he resolved to disguise his 
own face and head. He found the materials with which 
to work in some mysterious manner ; but I asked no 
questions ; for just then we were alongside of the Stin- 
geree, and I saw Captain Switchell standing on the ham- 
mock nettings, speaking-trumpet in hand. 

“ What steamer is that ? ’’ he asked. 

“ The English steamer Belle.” 

Captain Switchell laughed in an ironical manner, as he 
said, — 

“ Of course you are bound to some neutral port.” 

“ Yes ; perhaps Key West or a market.” 

“ I thought so. Well, I have a favor to ask of you.” 

“ Will you please to name it ? ” 

The captain did not recognize my voice or form, and 
neither did the officers nor crew, who were looking at us 
with wishful glances, as though mentally calculating how 
much the Belle and cargo were worth in a prize court, 
where the marshal would not seek for two thirds of the 
net proceeds, and his assistants the other third. 

“ Well, you see I have on board a confederate gentle- 
man, who was captured the other day in a steamer. He is 
a civilian, and a feeble old man, not capable of harming 
any one. I have concluded to send him to some Southern 
port, and I really wish that you would help him. He will 
pay for his passage, and not only that, but bless you for 
doing a deed of charity ; for he is anxious to join his 
friends, and die in the bosom of his family.” 

“ Let him come,” said Bowmount, who could not with- 
stand an appeal to the heart. “ Let the old fool come 
on board. We will give him a passage. It won’t hurt us, 
and will do the old man some good. Tell them to bundle 
him on board ; and be in a hurry about it.” 

“ We’U take him, captain,” I said ; “ but I hope you 
17 


246 


RUNNING THE BLOCIC^DE. 

won’t be compelled to receive him again before we find a 
port to suit us.” 

“ I shall do what I can after you are at a proper distance 
from us.” 

“ What do you call a proper distance ? ” 

“ Say ten miles ; just twice as far as you were from us 
when I signalled you.” 

“ That is satisfactory. We have a pair of heels.” 

“ And so have we,” remarked Captain Switchell, in a 
significant tone. “We are not fast; but there are few 
vessels that can show us their sterns.” 

I made no reply to the remark. The boatswain of the 
Stingeree piped his shrill whistle, the first cutter was 
lowered with the rapidity, precision, and care that dis- 
tinguishes man-of-war life, and then I saw an aged man 
pass down the steamer’s side, and enter the boat. 

It was cast off, and pulled for the Belle. Just at this 
moment, Mrs. Gowen sent word that she wanted to see 
me ; but it was simply to ask a question or two, and to 
chat for a minute on some indifferent subject ; and then I 
returned to the deck, and was in due form introduced by 
the Kentuckian to my new passenger. I was somewhat 
astonished to see before me Virginia’s favorite son, the 
gallant Colonel Rhett, more gray and decrepit than 
ever. 

If I had seen the President of the United States, I 
could not have been more surprised than I was to meet 
face to face with Colonel Rhett, whose right eye still bore 
traces of the blow which had sent him to the deck on the 
night we cut out the Spitfire. 

However, if I was astonished, the colonel was not ; and 
for a moment I wondered at it ; but then I recollected 
that I was disguised with beard and wig ; so it was not 
surprising he did not recognize me immediately. 

“ Captain,” the old fellow said, “ I am prcud to thmk 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


247 


that I once more stand beneath the flag of the free — old 
England’s Cross ; which, next to the confederate bunting, 
is the proudest in the world.” 

“ Shucks I what gammon ! ” interrupted Bowmount. 
“ But you allers was some on the highfalutin, colonel, like 
most of you fellers from the fust families of Old Virginny.” 

“You know me, then?” asked the astonished old 
scamp. 

“ I should rather think I did,” was the reply of the 
Kentuckian. 

As he spoke, he threw ofP his false hair and beard. 

“01” said the colonel, in a tone of great surprise. “ I 
guess I’ll return to the Stingeree. I won’t trespass on 
your kindness.” 

It was too late. As soon as the colonel touched the 
deck, the engineer had put on steam, and we were head- 
ing on our course, already a mile from the man-of-war, 
which still remained quiet, with the flag of truce flying, 
waiting until we wer|; ten miles apart, as was promised, 
before pursuit was commenced. 

The Kentuckian gave a hearty and uproarious laugh. 

“ Why, you old fool,” he said, “ you is as safe here as 
on board one of Uncle Sam’s crafts. What more do you 
want? We’U land you in a Southern port in less than 
three days.” 

But the colonel looked far from being satisfied, and 
glanced at me most suspiciously, as though he feared 
danger in my , quarter ; so, not to keep him in suspense, I 
just threw ofl? my disguise ; and, when he saw who I was, 
he felt worse than ever. 

“You vile scoundrel I ” I remarked, in a quiet tone, 
“do you remember heading a gang of ruffians on the 
beach at Nassau, and making an assault on me?” 

“ There must be some mistake here,” the old man said, 
with the most unblushing impudence. “ If you will 




248 ^ RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

recollect for a moment, yon will call to mind that I was 
badly injured in endeavoring to assist you. I was kicked 
very severely in the stomach.” 

“ Yes ; I did that when you urged on your party, and 
attempted to assist it.” 

“ I am sorry you labor under such a great mistake,” the 
colonel continued, as bold as a lion, yet appearing as honest 
as a man could appear when he knew he was telling a lie. 
“ I attempted to help you all I could ; and, in doing so, I 
was taken prisoner, and carried on board the Spitfire.” 

“ What a romance ! ” I remarked, in a sneering tone. 

“ Yes, sir,” was the reply, quite unmoved. “ But the 
most wonderful thing is yet to come. I was thrown into 
a boat, and carried on board the Spitfire ; and, when she 
was just ready to up anchor, a party of Yankees cut her 
out, and made off with her. But I fought them as well 
as I could ; and you see the result in this black eye. I was 
floored by a blow ; and, when I returned to consciousness, 
we were many miles out of the harbor.” 

“ Go on. What next ? ” 

“Well, sir, the next morning a Yankee gunboat ran 
alongside, and threatened to sink us unless we surrendered. 
The threat wasn’t repeated ; for the flag came down, and 
the Stingeree took possession. I don’t say that it was -a 
contrived plan, but I think so.” 

' “ And ffbw did you manage to persuade the captain of 
the Stingeree that you were of no account ? ” 

“ By concealing my military rank, and relating how I 
had left my daughter in Nassau without a lawful protector, 
and with but little money to support her in my absence. 
Captain Switchell, although he is a Yankee, has a heart 
that can feel for the misfortunes of others. He saw that 
I was eager to join my sweet child, and knew that I could 
do so by taking passage on board of some swift blockade- 
runner. The Stingeree has no idea of touching at Nas< 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 249 

sau for some time to come, fearful that an investigation 
would be ordered.” 

“ Well, colonel, you can see as well as any man I ever 
saw. But we are now quits. Go and get your breakfast, 
and behave yourself hereafter.” 

As soon as breakfast was over, Mrs. Gowen made prep- 
arations to retire to her state-room, while the male portion 
of the passengers lighted their cigars, and went on deck. 

The Stingeree had not gained on us. In fact, I thought 
that we were dropping her; and in the course of an 
hour our more, this surmise proved correct. The entire 
hull of the gunboat disappeared from the horizon, and 
then all that was left to mark the place where a steamer 
still ploughed through the waters of the channel was a 
line of dark smoke that floated upwards, and assumed 
fantastic shapes as the light wind carried it leeward. 

Of course Bowmount chuckled at this evidence of the 
superiority of the Belle. He even asked the Virginian to 
drink whiskey — an invitation that was accepted with 
most wonderful alacrity. So bottles and tumblers were 
brought on deck, and a gay time the Kentuckian had, 
bluffing the colonel when he was disposed to enlarge on 
his valuable services at the battle of Bull Run, and talk- 
ing sharp when he abused the Yankees. 

We were well through the North-east Channel, and had 
left Great Abaco far astern, before we lost all sight of the 
Stingeree, and were alone upon the ocean, steaming along 
at the rate of twelve knots an hour, and calculating how 
soon we should be in the midst of the blockading vessels, 
which were as thick as locusts in Egypt off Charleston and 
Savannah. It was night when we ran for the harbor of 
the former place. 

At dark I put all the lights out except the one in the 
binnacle, and shaded that one in such a manner that its 
rays could not be seen. The engine-room was covered 
9 


260 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


with blankets, the steam was raised to its highest point 
and with a full pressure we dashed towards the land. 

Bowmount was on deck with me, and so was Mrs. 
Gowen ; but the Virginia colonel did not seem inclined to 
leave his state-room, while J ohn kept out of sight. 

The Kentuckian did not appear in the least excited, and, 
for a wonder, did not touch liquor. He was more subdued 
than I ever saw him, while the lady was inclined to be a 
little hysterical, calling the Yankees hard names, and 
uttering little gasps as she hoped we should escape their 
vigilance. 

Two hours passed, and still there was no sign of the 
blockaders. We were going through the water at the 
rate of fifteen miles an hour ; for I judged it best to put 
on nearly all speed, and pass the gunboats with a dash, if 
it were a possible thing. 

I began to congratulate myself upon the probability 
that we should meet none of the Union cruisers, when a 
rocket was sent up from some vigilant gunboat about two 
miles off our starboard bow. It was green and red, sig- 
nifying that something suspicious was in sight, and to be 
on the lookout for it. 

Hardly had the bright stars grown dim, and the stick 
which guided the rocket struck the water, than a second 
one was thrown to the air ; but this one came from our 
larboard bow, and was a significant reminder that Uncle 
Sam’s men were on the alert. 

Still we steamed on ; but it seemed as though it was to 
certain capture ; for just ahead of us, right in our course^ 
illuminating the water for many fathoms, was a burning 
blue-light, revealing the grim hull and battery of a sloop 
of war. 

To go on was certain capture or destruction ; for it was 
evident that the officers of the national vessels saw us, 
and suspected our mission ; for hardly had the blue-light 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


251 


burned out, than three lanterns appeared in the steamer’s 
rigging, in the form of a triangle, — a red one at the top, 
and a white and a green one at the bottom. 

“ What does that signal mean ? ” whispered the Ken- 
tuckian. 

It asks, as plainly as words can express the question, 
‘ Who are you ? ’ ” . 

I altered the course of the vessel, and headed towards 
Folly Island, hoping to run into Light-house Inlet, and 
find shelter under the guns of the batteries which the 
Charleston soldiers had erected all along the shores of 
Morris Island. We shut off some of our steam, and 
moved along as silently as possible ; but our paddle- 
wheels would beat the water ; and as the night was calm, 
the noise could be heard for some distance, and I feared 
would lead to our detection. 

For a few minutes we kept on our new course ; but the 
gunboat that we were edging away from had no intention 
of letting us rest, or allowing us to slip by in peace. AU 
at once we could see showers of sparks and black smoke 
issue from her smoke-pipe ; and then there was a flash, and 
the deep report of a Parrott gun. The shot struck the 
water some ten or twenty fathoms from us, and sent it 
foaming in the air like a waterspout. 

“ That fellow means business,” muttered Bowmount, 
lighting a fresh cigar. 

“ Yes, confound him ! he will wake up the whole fleet.” 

“ Steamer ahead,” shouted the lookout on the topgal- 
lant-forecastle. 

I made a signal to the engineer to stop the engines ; 
but we were close upon a black, heavy hull before we 
could slacken our speed. We were so near, in fact, that 
we could make out a long row of ports, and by the aid of 
our glasses see the muzzles of some black-looking guns. 

“It’s a ship at anchor,” whispered the mate. “The 


252 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


fellow is not awake ; and I’m glad enough of it, for he 
carries some mighty ugly-lookiug barkers.” 

In thinking the lookouts were asleep, the mate was mis- 
taken ; for hardly had he concluded, than a sharp hail 
was heard from the quarter-deck of the anchored vessel. 

“ What steamer is that? ” 

As the question was asked, a dozen replies passed 
through my mind ; for on one of them depended the fate 
of the steamer and all those on board. 

Before I answered, I took another look at the anchored 
vessel, and rapidly formed an idea of what she was. It 
was a sailing frigate, large and comfortable — just such a 
vessel as the admiral of the station would select as his 
home as long as the weather was such that he, would not 
have to get under way to keep from the shore, sending 
out the steamers to do the light and heavy work, while 
the commander took his aU-night in, and made himself 
generally comfortable over his claret and whiskey-punch. 

All these thoughts passed through my brain very rap- 
idly ; but even then, before I had time to answer the 
pointed hail, there came another sharp and quick, — 

“ Steamer, ahoy I What steamer is that ? ” 

And with the words there was a flashing of lights on 
the deck of tlie frigate ; and then I could hear the alarm 
sprung, and the sudden roll of a drum beating to quarters. 

I (lid not answer the pointed question, and the one 
that my interrogator was so anxious to know ; for, as the 
lanterns took the form of a private signal, I bellowed 
back, — 

“ I was sent to inform the admiral that a blockade- 
runner has made her appearance, and attempted to run in. 
We may have headed her off, but are not certain. The 
Straddlebug (I did not know but she might be on the 
station, as I had heard that she was to sail for Charleston) 
“ got a shot at her ; but I don’t think it took effect/’ 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


253 


“Why the deuce don’t you answer the private signal, 
instead of chattering like a marine ? ” cried the officer of 
the deck, who was in a rage at the idea of being so un- 
ceremoniously disturbed in his nap. 

“ Because I supposed that you cared more for the news 
than you did for signals. We have signalized the flag- 
ship for the last hour, and deuce of a reply could we ob- 
tain. Captain ” (here I mentioned a name that I 

knew the officer could not understand) “ thought you 
were all asleep, or else gone ashore for a lark.” 

“We are much obliged to Captain — ^ — , What name 
did you say? ” 

This question was asked in a deep-toned voice, calm 
and powerful, as though the owner knew his position, and 
was bound to be respected by all under his command. 

It was the admiral of the fleet, who had turned out to 
see what was the matter, and had taken the subject of 
hailing into his own hands. 

“ Captain .” 

Once more I pronounced a name that the deuce couldn’t 
have understood, even if he were familiar with both the 
Russian and the Polish languages. 

“ O, yes ! ” responded the admiral, who did not care 
to spend time in asking more questions. “ Request the 
captain to see me in the morning. I shall have some 
business with him.” 

“ Ay, ay, sir. I will tell him. Have you any further 
orders?” 

For a moment there was no answer. They were pre- 
cious moments to me, and I dreaded the silence that pre- 
vailed. At last a voice abruptly asked, — 

“ What do you mean by waving your lanterns in that 
manner ? ” 

Now,^^)iad not the slightest idea what was meant by 
the waving of lanterns on board the Belle ; but I knew 


254 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


that it would not answer to show my ignorance to an 
admiral ; and, as bold as a lion, I replied, — 

“ It is the signal which I agreed to make to the fleet as 
soon as I had ascertained that the blockade-runner had 
not passed this way.” 

“ Then why in the fiend’s name don’t you signalize in a 
shipshape manner, and not in that blundering style ? ” 
roared the admiral, who began to lose his temper under 
the combined influence of loss of sleep, and the prospect 
of losing some prize money by the escape of the blockade- 
runner. 

“ I’ll see that it don’t happen again, sir,” I answered, 
in the faint hope that a soft answer would turn away 
wrath. 

“ Why, sir, you are doing it all the time,” yelled the 
admiral, on whom meekness was entirely thrown away. 
“ What do you mean, sir ? ” 

I took time to glance over the deck, and to run for- 
ward as far as the waist, near the house, in the hope of 
discovering the cause of the admiral’s displeasure. 

For a few moments I saw nothing. Then, just as I was 
about to return to the quarter-deck, and attend to the 
hailing department, I saw Colonel Rhett issue from the 
house used by the men as their sleeping-quarters, and 
wave a lighted lantern over his head. 

“You old scoundrel, what do you mean?” I cried, 
seizing him by the nape of his neck, and throwing him to 
the deck, while at the same time I jerked his lantern from 
his hand, and extinguished it. 

Bowmount heard the scuffle, slight as it was, and has- 
tened towards me. 

“ What is the matter ? ” he asked. 

“ Matter enough,” I answered. “ This double-faced trai- 
tor ” — and I shook the colonel until his teeth^hattered 
in his head — “ has been making signals to the'^^ate.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 255 

“ Overboard with him,” the savage Kentuckian cried. 
“ Hang him, don’t have any mercy on the traitor.” 

“ What is the meaning of this, gentlemen ? ” demanded 
the colonel. “ What have I done ? ” 

I did not have a chance to reply to that interrogation ; 
for just then came a sharp hail from the flagship, and it 
needed my attention. 

“ Give him to me,” whispered Bowmount “ I’ll settle 
his coffee. Shucks ! don’t I know what to do with just 
sich vipers ? ” 

“ You won’t kill him ? ” I asked. 

Bowmount laughed in a low and threatening tone. 

“ If this ’ere ship is captured, I’ll give his carcass to the 
fishes jest as sure as I’m a man. If it is the last thing I 
does in this world., I’ll have that satisfaction out of the 
varmint.” 

“ For Heaven’s sake, gentlemen,” begged the colonel, 
“ spare my life on account of my daughter. I’ve done 
nothing to merit this treatment. I’m one of the members 
of the first Virginia families, and a rebel clear through to 
the back-bone.” 

“ Steamer, ahoy ! ” roared the admiral from the flag- 
ship, in a towering rage at the idea of not securing prompt 
answers. 

“Go and speak to the old nanny-goat,” cried Bow- 
mount, “ or he’ll butt his jolly old head agin’ somethin’ ; 
you see if he don’t.” 

“ No violence,” I whispered, as I relinquished my hold 
of the prostrate man. 

“ All right. Shucks I don’t be afeard of me." 

I reached the quarter-deck just in time to hear the 
admiral roar, — 

“ What do you mean, sir, by not answering me ? What 
is the trouble there ? ” 

“ There is no trouble, sir. I saw a commotion on the 


256 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


outer station, and I thought the blockade-runner might 
be captured. I can’t make out by the aid of my glass.” 

By this time we had drifted astern of the ship, and 
towards the shore ; for the wind was blowing in that 
direction. We were just in a position most favorable 
to prevent receiving a shot or broadside from the frigate 
in case she should discover our true character. 1 longed 
to give the engineer the signal to start, and make a run 
for it, but feared that an unlucky shot w’ould disable us 
before we could get out of range, or hide ourselves in the 
darkness. 

Just as I was thinking of these things, I heard the 
sound of paddle-wheels, and then a dark mass hove in 
sight, and signalled with lanterns that she was all right, 
and desired communication with the admiral. 

“ Flagship, ahoy ! ” roared the new comer. 

“ Yes ; what is it now ? ” 

“ I have been sent to inform you that a blockade-run- 
ner has attempted to enter the port. She passed some of 
the fleet, and disappeared.” 

“ How many more steamers are to be sent to me with 
the same information ? ” growled the admiral, who began 
to think that all of his captains were mad or drunk. “ If 
some of you had remained on the outer station, and looked 
as hard for the blockade-runner as you have for the flag- 
ship, we should aU have been a few thousand dollars 
richer by this time.” 

This was the peculiar way which the admiral had of 
“ bearing down*” on those under his command when 
things had not gone to please him. 

‘‘I was not aware that another had been despatched 
to convey the news,” tartly responded the captain of the 
steamer. 

“No, I suppose not. But if you had kept a bright 
lookout, you would have brought me a prize instead of 
bad news.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 257 

“ There’s arrogance for you,” muttered Mrs. Gowen, 
who had stood by my side all through the hailing. 

“ It’s about time to move from this ’ere location, or it 
will be ter hot for us,” muttered the Kentuckian, who, 
having disposed of his prisoner, the colonel, was now 
ready to join me in all that related to the success of the 
project. 

“ I know it. In a few minutes the admiral will make 
his quarter-deck too hot to hold its officers.” 

We were about forty fathoms from the stern . of the 
frigate, just near enough to hear all that passed, and 
to understand when it was time to think of real danger. 

The chief engineer of the Belle was near me, ready to 
communicate with his subordinates in the engine-room at 
the least sign from his superior. 

“ Can you set the wheels in motion, so they won’t 
attract attention, and allow us to draw ahead ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ; I think I can.” 

“ Do so, then ; but be careful how you 'work.” 

The engineer left me to communicate the orders, and I 
once more turned my attention to the admiral and his 
captain. The former was pacing his quarter-deck, and 
wondering if he should utter some more sarcastic re- 
marks, or let the latter up. 

All at once it entered the wise noddle of the com- 
mander of tlie fleet, that he had not treated the captain 
of the first steamer (meaning the one I commanded) to a 
little sensation in the way of sharp words ; and he pre- 
l)arcd to give me a dose. 

•• Steamer, ahoy I ” he yelled, just as our paddle-wheels 
commenced moving. 

‘‘ Ahoy, the fleet, sir I ” 

“ What in the fiend’s name are you doing there ? ” 

“Waiting for orders, sir.” 

“ Waiting for orders ! ” in a sneering tone. “ Don’t 


258 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


you know that your services are needed on the outer sta- 
tion? I can take care of the inner station.” 

“ I’m glad to hear it, for it is all news to me,” I re- 
torted; for I could not help taking the Tartar down a 
little. 

“ Hey ? What’s that ? ” was the cry. 

We were moving off in a slow but precious sure man- 
ner, the paddles making but few revolutions, yet enough 
to obtain steerage- way. We were headed, owing to the 
drift, direct for Sullivan’s Island, where several batteries 
were erected, and where I could find shelter in case we 
were pursued. 

Even as the admiral spoke, his ship began to grow dim 
and indistinct, a black speck on the water. 

Before I could return a suitable answer, the Kentuck- 
ian took the words from my mouth, and yelled, — 

“Say, old fuss-and-feathers, do you want to see a 
blockade-runner ? ” 

There was a moment’s indignant silence on board the 
flagship, and in the mean time I had a chance to remon- 
strate with Bowmount. 

“ For Heaven’s sake, keep quiet till we are out of dan- 
ger. A few minutes more, and we shall be all right.” 

“ Come on board, and report yourself under arrest,” 
roared the admiral. 

“I’ll see you hung first,” bellowed the Kentuckian, 
who, to save even ship and cargo, could no longer keep 
stiU. 

“Put on all steam,” I cried to the engineer. “Port 
your helm a little. We will still keep in the wake of the 
frigate.” 

The vessel sprang through the water under the in- 
fluence of steam ; but before we could vanish from sight, 
two stern guns were brought to bear on us, and two 
thirty-two po'ind shots were sent flying over our heads. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


259 


“ Let her rip, old addle-head,” roared the Kentuckian ; 
and with this parting salute we vanished from the sight 
of the frigate. 

Then we altered our course, so as to keep out of the 
range of the guns, and, with a full head of steam, ran for 
Sullivan’s Island, while the admiral’s ship kept up a run- 
ning fire for five minutes, in the hope of hitting us. But 
they were somewhat disappointed ; for we felt our way in, 
and by private signals were enabled to anchor under a 
confederate battery, where we remained till daylight. 

“ O, Mr. Barnwell,” cried Mrs. Gowen, taking both of 
my hands, the next morning, as soon as she knew that we 
were safe, “ how can I thank you for your coolness in 
escaping from those mean Yankees ! I’ll make a hero of 
you by the manner in which I shall report your exploits.” 

“ In the name of Heaven, don’t do that I ” I cried, more 
and more convinced that I should be ruined through the 
injudicious kindness of friends. “Let what I have done 
pass without special notice.” 

Just at this moment the Kentuckian appeared on deck 
with the Virginian, Colonel Bhett, who had passed the 
night in irons, and in the run of the steamer, where he 
had no chance to do mischief, being waited upon and 
guarded by John, the slave. 

The representative of the first of Virginia’s families 
looked a little the worse for the treatment he had received 
at ray hands, and at the hands of Bowmount. He exhib- 
ited marks on his face that told of rough usage ; for the 
enraged Kentuckian had taken the opportunity to hit him 
once or twice, as soon as I had gone aft to attend to my 
duty the niglit before. 

“ There he is, Barnwell,” said the Kentuckian. “ What 
shall we do with him? He won’t make no more sig- 
nals to the Yankee fleet, — not if I has my way, he 
won’t.” 


260 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ So help me God,” the colonel cried, “ I was not mak 
ing signals to the fleet.” 

He looked and spoke as though he meant the truth. 
There was an air of sincerity on the man’s face that was 
almost convincing. 

“ What in the fiend’s name did you mean by waving a 
lantern ?” I demanded, in a stern tone. 

“ I was not aware that I was waving it,” was the con- 
fident answer. 

“ How came you with the lantern, anyhow ? ” the Ken- 
tuckian asked. “ Didn’t you hear the orders for all lights 
to be dowsed ? ” 

“No, I didn’t.” 

The man looked us square in the eyes as he answered. 
I began to think of his daughter, and to wonder if he was 
not innocent of evil intentions. 

“ What were you doing with the lantern ? ” I demand- 
ed. “ If you were not signalizing the enemy, how did it 
happen that you had a light ? ” 

“ I can explain all in a few words, sir ; because I see 
that I am in as bad a predicament as I was at Bull Run, 
when I cut my way through — ” 

“ O, hang Bull Run ! ” snarled the Kentuckian. “ Go 
on with the story. Shucks I let’s hear how you got hold 
of the lantern.” 

“ In a moment, sir. I was in the cabin, suffering in my 
mind for fear the Yankees would capture us, when John, 
the servant of Mrs. Go wen, — the nigger, you know, — 
came to me, and said he’d lost his watch, and he feared 
some of the poor white trash for’ard had taken it; and 
would I oblige him so much as to take the lantern, and 
hold it while he searched the house on deck. Without 
thinking a moment, I said that I would ; so away we 
went on our mission.” 

“ Did you find the watch ? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


261 


“ Yes : we found it hanging on a nail at the head of the 
cook’s bunk ; and then John recollected that he had lent 
it to the cook to boil some eggs ; so there was no theft, 
after all.” 

“ But how happened it that you waved the lantern ? ” 
I demanded, “ as though signalizing the fleet ? ” 

“ I was not aware that I was doing an injury. I was so 
much amused, that I laughed-; and between my laughing 
and the rolling of the ship, I suppose the lantern moved 
back and forth, and up and down.” 

“ Eh ? ” sighed Bowmount, “ you is bound to trick us, 
arter all. But we’ll see what John says. Come on deck, 
you specimen of milk and ’lasses, and let’s hear what you 
has to say on the subject.” 

John came from the cabin, and appeared surprised at 
the summons. 

“John,” said the Kentuckian, “I feels good-natured, 
and wouldn’t hurt a mouse this ’ere mornin’ ; but by jove, 
if you goes to come any of your dodges. I’ll han^ yer 
like a dog. I means it now. I’m not to be trifled 
with.” 

John did not look in the least alarmed. He listened to 
the threats without flinching, or appearing apprehensive 
of injury. Once he glanced at the colonel, but the Ken- 
tuckian snapped him up for it. 

“ You jist keep yer eyes fixed on me till I gets through 
with yer, or I’ll make that back of yourn a little sorer 
than it ever was.” 

“I will answer all your questions, sir,” John replied, 
and looked full at the Kentuckian, as though he knew the 
man, and knew he was not to be played with. 

“ Did you ask Colonel Rhett to hold a lantern for you, 
last night ? ” Bowmount demanded. 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ For what purpose ? ” 

18 


262 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ To help me search for a watch that I thought had 
been stolen from me.” 

“ That will do. Return to your duties,” and the Ken- 
tuckian dismissed the slave. 

“ You see that I was right,” exclaimed the Virginian, 
in a tone of triumph. 

“ Yes, I see that you was. But it seems to me that I’d 
ruther have it established by some other way than by a 
nigger’s evidence. You is let off — aquitted; and if we 
has hurt your feelings ^y our treatment of you, we must 
be forgiven. That’^ all.” 

The Kentuckian turned away as though he did not half 
believe Colonel Rhett was innocent, and for my part I was 
of the same opinion ; but still we had no evidence to 
show that treachery was intended, except the swinging of 
the lantern, and that the colonel declared was an accident. 
If he had signalized the fleet, it amounted to nothing ; for 
we had nipped it in the bud, before the Federals suspect- 
ed anything : so no great harm was done. We could not 
hang the man just on suspicion that he meant treachery, 
and yet I really believed that he did intend to deceive 
us. In the course of the forenoon, Colonel Rhett left the 
steamer for a hotel ; but he promised to look at us once a 
day, if not oftener — an act of kindness on his part that 
was not appreciated by us. But the ship was entered 
at the custom-house, and Bowmount found an agent to 
purchase the entire cargo, and pay cotton for the same ; 
and towards nine o’clock the Kentuckian felt his way to 
a state-room, and turned in, large doses of whiskey soon 
sending him to sleep. Just as he began to snore, John, 
the mulatto slave, entered the cabin, and informed me that 
Mrs. Gowen was waiting to see me at her residence. 

“ I hope that your mistress has comfortable quarters,’ 
I said to John, while preparing for the visit. 

“ Yes, sir. You will think so when you see her.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 268 

“ And how did you manage to pass through the streets 
without being stopped? ” 

“ I have a pass, sir, that serves me at all hours of the 
night.” 

“ Let me see it,” I said. 

The slave hesitated, and I was compelled to speak the 
second time before he made a show of feeling in his pock- 
ets for the document. Even when he had found it, he 
did not hand it to me until I had spoken quite sharply, 
and as though I was to be no longer trifled with. I 
looked at the paper, and saw that it was signed by Colo- 
nel Rhett, and that it spoke of John as though he was the 
Virginian’s property, and on business of importance. 

“ What does this mean, John ? ” 

The fellow hesitated only a moment, and then r^ 
plied, — 

“Colonel Rhett gave me the pass because he thought I 
might want to use it while here, as I have friends in 
Charleston.” 

“ Then you have no pass from your mistress, Mrs. 
Gowen ? ” 

“No, sir. I showed her this one, when she spoke of 
writing a pass, and then she said it would answer full as 
well as though she gave it, and save her trouble.” 

It was not an improbable story •, but at the same time I 
wondered that Mrs. Gowen, who hated the sight and 
name of Rhett, should care to allow her slave to use a 
pass signed by the colonel. But I supposed it to be one 
of her freaks, and so handed the paper back to John with 
the remark, — 

“ It is very singular.” 

John made no reply, and I continued to think until 
dressed, and ready to leave the ship. 

“ I shall return some time in the course of the evening,” 
I remarked to the mate, who was on deck smoking hia 


264 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


cigar. “ Keep an anchor watch ; for, if we don’t have 
one or two men on the lookout, the thieves will carry off 
our anchor and cables before morning.” 

The mate promised compliance, and up the wharf I 
went. At the head of it I found a close carriage in the 
care of a negro coachman. He was a giant of a fellow, 
and black as coal-tar, sitting indolently on his box, where 
he seemed to have waited quite patiently for the arrival 
of myself and John. 

“It’s all right, Sam,” said John, opening the carriage 
door, and motioning me to pass in. 

We passed through the most populous parts of the city; 
b> and by the aid of the dim lights that flashed from stores 
< and houses, — for the streets were not lighted, — I could 
see the gray uniforms of the confederate soldiers, as they 
thronged the streets, some of them shouting and sing- 
ing, and apparently enjoying themselves after a fashion 
of their own. In a few minutes we had left the city 
some distance behind us, and entered the country, where 
all was darkness — not a light to be seen. I did not feel 
in the least alarmed at this, but thought it a little singu- 
lar that Mrs. Gowen should be so far from the city, when 
she had intimated that she was to stop with some friends 
in Charleston ; but, after going on for ten minutes, I 
knocked on the window, and attracted John’s attention. 
He lowered the front window, but did not stop the car- 
riage, to ask what I wanted ; and I fancied that the fellow 
was a little impertinent in his tone. 

“Where are you taking me, John?” I asked. “It 
seems to me that you are steering a wild course out here 
in the dark, with not a light-house to mark the channel.” 

“We shall be there in a few minutes. Don’t you be 
alarmed just yet.” 

“Alarmed, you milk-and-water colored vagabond? 
What should I be alarmed at ? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


265 


“ Nothing yet, sir.’’ 

Then up went the window, and I heard John and the 
coachman laugh. It aggravated me so much, that I was 
almost resolved to get out and kick both of the slaves, and 
then return to the city, and wait until Mrs, Go wen sent a 
more civil messenger to conduct me to her retreat. But I 
smothered my wrath when I recollected that in a few 
minutes I should come to the ond of my journey, and then 
my annoyances would be brought to a close. And, sure 
enough, my predictions were verified ; for we soon turned 
from the road into an avenue lined with trees, but dark 
and sombre, with not a light to be seen. Through this 
avenue we rolled • for a few minutes ; and then the car- 
riage stopped, and I heard whispering, John leaving the 
box to carry on the conversation. Once more I let down 
the window, and asked impatiently, — 

“ What is the matter now ? Are we on the wrong 
road ? ” 

“ No,” was the snappish reply. “We are on the right 
road.” 

“ Then why don’t you drive on ? ” 

“We will when we are ready,” was the impudent 
reply. 

“You milk-and-molasses scoundrel I ” I exclaimed in a 
rage, “ I have a great mind to kick you for your imperti- 
nence. I shall report it to your mistress.” 

“ Yes,” was the cool, insinuating reply ; “ I expect you 
will.” 

And then John and Sam laughed in concert, as though 
some joke lurked beneath John’s insolent words. I drew 
my revolver from my breast, and cocked it. It made 
some noise, the sharp click being heard quite distinctly 
in that silent avenue, with not a breath of air to disturb 
the heavy leaves overhead. The slaves, and the people 
with whom they were whispering, heard the ominous 


266 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


cocking of the pistol, and knew what it meant ; for, when 
John next spoke, his tone expressed much more cirility. 

“ Don’t be impatient, sir,” said he ; “ for a surprise is 
intended you.” 

“ And one is intended you,” I replied, “ unless you 
keep a more civil tongue in your head. You have been 
insolent, to-night, and if I see any more of it, I’ll blow 
your black brains out, as sure as I’m a Southerner.” 

“ I am sure, sir, that I did not intend to be rude ; and 
I’m sorry for the offence.” 

“ If you are, don’t repeat it ; for I have lost all patience 
with you.” 

“ I hopes massa will put up his pistol now dat we has 
shown dat we don’t mean nuffin but what is good for 
him,” whined Sam, the black, giant coachman. 

“ Mrs. Go wen will have a hearty laugh when she hears 
that you suspected us of being unfriendly,” added John. 
“ I do assure you, sir, that everything we have done to- 
night has been according to orders.” 

“Dat’s so, massa,” grunted Sam. “ We’s only ’beyin* 
orders.” 

“ Well, then, I will trust you. Drive on, and let us 
reach the house some time to-night.” 

The coachman walked his horses, and in a few minutes’ 
time we drew up in front of a door. I could see a light 
in the hall of the house, and a light in one of the rooms ; 
but the building did not. present a very lively aspect, 
although the night was so dark that I could not judge 
what kind of a house it was. It appeared to me like the 
residence of a planter. 

“ Here we are, sir,” said John, opening the carriage 
door, so that I could step on the veranda that ran around 
the house. 

“Yes, sah, here we is,” chuckled Sam, the coachman, 
as he got off his box. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 267 

“ But where are all the people ? ” I remarked . “ There 

appears to be no one here to receive me.” 

“ O, yes, there is, sir,” answered John. “There are 
plenty here ; only you don’t see them.” 

“Well, then, I would like to ; fora darker place than 
this can’t be found in South Carolina.” 

“ The gentleman wants some light,” the mulatto cried. 

“ Well, den, let ’em hab it. O, dear, yes! let ’em hab 
light by all means.” 

And Sam laughed as though he had just heard a good 
negro joke. 

There was a scraping of matches, and brief and uncer- 
tain flashes of light, revealing dark faces and woolly heads, 
and then there suddenly blazed up some twenty torches, 
held by slaves of all ages, from the impulsive negro of 
twenty years to the veteran of sixty. They were arranged 
with some degree of order, forming a lane through which 
I had- to pass as I walked to the door of the house. As 
the light flashed over the dark faces that surrounded me, 
I took a quick survey of them, and noted the almost stony 
sternness of their countenances. There was not one ex- 
pression of pleasure or joy to be detected on a single face, 
young or old, which I regarded as something wonderful ; 
for the negroes of a plantation generally take much pleas- 
ure in welcoming the guests of their masters, receiving 
one with grins and even somersets of delight when all 
other marks of approval failed them. As I took a step 
towards the door, the torches, composed of light, resinous 
wood, giving out dark and smoky flame, were advanced, 
as though to get a good view of my face. The act was so 
sudden and solemn, so peculiar and unexpected, that I 
stopped, and started back a pace or two. 

“Are you afraid of a few negro slaves?” asked John, 
in a tone so like a sneer, that I turned on him, and 
would have struck him if he had not been the favorite 


268 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


slave of a lady whom I respected as much as I did Mrs 
Gowen. 

“ I am afraid of nothing,” I answered in a firm man- 
ner ; “ not even of a dozen or two slaves, who tremble 
at the frown of a white man.” 

“ The day for such trembling is nearly past,” quietly 
responded John. 

“ Nearly past — glory to God I ” cried the slaves with 
one accord, and without changing a muscle of their faces, 
so stern and grim. 

“ De day is breakin’ I glory, hallelujah ! ” screeched one 
old fellow, nearly bent double with rheumatism and hard 
work in the rice and cotton fields of South Carolina. 

“ De day is breakin’ I glory, hallelujah ! ” cried the others 
in chorus, and with a wave of their torches and a fiash of 
their eyes. 

I did not feel alarmed , at the scene before me, yet I 
thought it wonderful and strange that a planter should 
allow his slaves to show such religious fanaticism near his 
house when receiving a strange guest. It was so unusual 
that I could not help commenting on it to John. 

“ What is the matter with all the slaves to-night ? ” I 
asked. “ Have they been attending camp-meeting? ” 

“Yes, sir ; one kind of camp-meeting.” 

“ One kind, bress de Lord,” chorused the negroes. 

“ Ah I what is that ? ” 

“The camp-meeting of freedom. We are slaves no 
longer. Strike I Down with the slave-driver ! ” 

I must confess that I was surprised ; so much so that I 
had no time to draw pistol or knife. Sam, the coach- 
man, a negro of giant strength, threw himself upon me, 
and pinioned my arms to my side, while, at-4;he same mo- 
ment, two other negroes, whom I had not seen, came up 
behind mo, grasped my feet with their hands, and down I 
tumbled. 


R\>4^NING THE BLOCKADK 


269 


“Take away his pistol and knife,” cried John, the 
treacherous mulatto, who had not yet laid a hand on me, 
but who appeared to direct aU the movements. 

“ Yes,” chuckled Sam. “ Take dem t’ings away, ’cos 
dey is dangerous. If do knife should go into dis chile’s 
belly, he wouldn’t feel like eatin’ gumbo for one while, 
now I tells yer. Yah I yah I yah ! ” 

“ Don’t you be afeard, Sam,” one of the others cried, 
pulling a revolver from my pocket, and coolly placing it 
in his own — an operation that caused Sam to show the 
whites of his eyes in an alarming manner. 

I found that struggling with three or four stout men, 
who were determined to succeed in their purpose, was 
quite useless ; so I lay still, panting under the compres- 
sion of the negroes, and wondering what had induced 
them to attack me, who had never injured them in word 
or deed. 

“ Suit yourselves, gentlemen,” I said, at length. “ Only 
please to get ofp my breast ; for it is difficult to breathe ; 
and Sam is rather fat, and smells none too sweet.” 

“ What dat you say ? ” cried the giant. “ I’s as sweet 
as you is, you blamed, gol-darned old rebel.” 

“ De Lord be praised, de day ob jubilee is cornin’, corn- 
in’, for de children of Israel,” chanted rather than sang 
the blacks, who still held the torches, and still remainea 
in line, interested spectators of the struggle that was 
going on between their colored brethren and myself. 
While the slaves were chanting, the rest of the scamps, 
with Mr. John to lead them, were overhauling my person, 
ana taking such articles as they could find in my pockets. 
I began to ask a few questions of John, who had stood 
looking on. 

“ My Christian friend,” I asked, “ will you please to 
tell me the meaning of this outrage upon me ? ” 

“ He calls this an outrage, boys,” the mulatto cried. 


2T0 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE.. 


speaking to the blacks who were holding the torches. The 
slaves, in response, uttered a dismal groan, as though thej 
did not see matters in that particular light. 

“Yes,’’ continued John ; “a man who has beaten us, 
sold us into slavery, and parted husbands and wives, and 
mothers and children, now calls such a trifling and paltry 
thing as this an outrage.” 

“You treacherous scoundrel,” I said, addressing John, 
“ you know that I never sold a human being into slavery, 
01 ill-used the blacks. Tell me the meaning of this.” 

“You belong to South Carolina don’t you?” de- 
manded John. 

For a moment I hesitated, but only for a moment. 
There was too much risk to be run in acknowledging my- 
self to be a Northern man. I did not dare to trust the 
negroes so soon after running the blockade. 

“Well, what if I do belong to South Carolina?” I 
asked. 

“ Then you are an enemy to the Yanks ; and being such, 
you are our enemy.” 

“ Then I understand you to say that you are in favor of 
the Yankees ? ” I asked, astonished at what I had heard. 

“We is de Yankees’ friends, bress de Lord! bress de 
Lord!” howled the negroes, waving their torches, and 
swaying their bodies back and forth, and only with the 
utmost restraint refraining from dancing at the same 
time. 

“ You have your answer,” John said, as soon as the 
slaves had ceased their chant, and quieted down. 

“ Yes, I see that the answer has come ; and I am aston- 
ished at it. But let me ask why you have singled me out 
for a victim, when there are so many who are much more 
prominent than myself.” 

“ Because I hate you,” hissed the mulatto between his 
teeth. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


271 


“ Indeed ! Iw^s not aware that I had given you any 
cause for such feeling.” 

“Listen to him, boys,” cried the mulatto, addressing 
the slaves. “ He runs a vessel past the blockading squad- 
ron, and cheats our friends the Yanks.” 

Then came another howl from the negroes, and they 
chanted, — 

“ May old Satan nab him ! 

O, may old Satan nab him ! 

O, may old Satan nab him ! . 

At dis time o’ night 1” 

And once more they planted the »oles of their fiat fee.- 
upon the boards, until it sounded like rain beating agaimi 
a tin roof. 

“Is that all? ” I demanded, as soon as the noise sub- 
sided. “ Come I let me know the whole of my sins. I 
am getting quite impatient to learn them.” 

“You shall,” the mulatto answered, in a voice that 
trembled a little with rage. 

“ Well, go on, for I’m tired of remaining here.” 

“ The place to which you will be removed from here is 
not a paradise ; and you had better enjoy the open air 
while you can, and not hurry us. There is time enough 
before the men who surround you will be compelled to 
take to the swamps. At the first glimpse of daylight, 
they wfil be off.” 

“ I have no objection to their leaving immediately, if 
they are so disposed,” I remarked, insinuatingly. 

* “ They will remain until I bid them depart,” answered 
John, haughtily, with a proud wave of his hand. 

“ Just as you please. Drive on with your yarn, and let 
me know why you are detaining me.” 

“ I have told you ; because you are an enemy of the 
North.” 

“ So are thousands. Mr. Bowmount and Colonel Rhett 
are enemies of tht North, and hate the Yanks.” 


272 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ But they are not dangerous, like you. They could 
not have run past the blockaders, and answered all their 
signals, the same as you did last night. We take only 
the leading ones, and leave the ignorant rabble to be shot 
by the Yanks.” 

This started the negroes to howling again, and their 
voices mingled in chanting, — 

“ 0, bress de Nothern marksmen I 
For dey can shoot de guns, 

And make de cannon rattle, 

And drive — ” 

“ Silence ! ” roared John, who found that the chorus 
was likely to be longer than he desired, and therefore in- 
terfered with his oratory. “Silence, you black scamps. 
Do you want to bring the patrol down on us? ” 

“No fear of der cornin’ to dis house,” chuckled an old 
white-headed negro, with a face like an intelligent ape’s. 
“ Dis house ain’t de kind ob house for white men to look 
arter in de night time. Yah I yah ! Why, bress de Lord I 
dar lots of peoples ready to swear dat dey has seen old 
massa trampin’ round de rooms wid ebber so many little 
debbils punchin’ ’um wid forks, ’cos he was cruel to his 
slaves, and cruel to all his white relations. Ah, a berry 
hard man was old massa.” 

As the negro seemed to be an oracle with the slaves, 
all listened to him in silence, and one or two, with that 
peculiar superstitious feeling that will overcome the best 
of us at times, when near a ruin reputed haunted, rolled 
their eyes in all directions, as though their owners were 
attempting to obtain glimpses of matters in the rear, where 
the dark woods moaned with the sighing of the night wind, 
and the croaking of frogs blended with the dismal notes of 
some lonely whip-poor-will anxious for a mate. 

“ When I t’inks of de time when old massa cut ’em 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


278 


throat from ear to ear/’ continued the venerable ape, who 
seemed to like to hear himself talk, “ I almost see ’em 
now, wid de blood pourin’ out ob de gash — ” 

There was a visible sensation in the ranks, and many 
torches trembled, and heads could no longer be controlled. 
They had to turn and look towards darkness, as though 
their owners feared something would jump on them, and 
clasp them in a clammy embrace. If it had been possible 
for the slaves to turn pale, they would have done so ; but, 
as it was, the darkest looked several shades lighter than 
their natural color. 

“Yes,” continued the white-headed oracle, “when I 
finks ob dat mornin’, I feels quite lively ; ’cos I knew 
dat de slaves ob dis plantation had escaped a plague, wus- 
ser dan Goliah in de lions’ den. Yes: I can see old 
massa a lyin’ on de floor, wid his troat all open-like, 
and de razor covered wid blood, and his eyes wide open. 
Dar— ” 

“ Whar ? ” yelled a dozen voices, the slaves wrought 
up to the highest pitch of excitement at the details of a 
horrible domestic tragedy that had occurred some ten 
years before. 

“ Thar,” I shrieked, springing to my feet, and pointing 
with one hand, with all the dramatic action that I could 
command. “ Thar he comes, razor in hand.” 

Some half a dozen torches were dashed down, and some 
half a dozen negroes ran howling from the house ; but, to 
my regret, those who were nearest to me did not move, 
though they were shaking in an awful manner. I thought 
I might break through the circle ; and perhaps I should 
have done so had it not been for John, the mulatto, who 
had received a good education, and was not so supersti- 
tious as his companions. He saw at once through my 
designs, and frustrated them ; for just as I meant to jump 
and run for the woods, trusting to luck and superstition 


2T4 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


to enable me to escape, he caught me by the aim, and 
shouted to Sam, — 

“ Don’t be a fool, you big coward. Take hold of the 
captain, or he’ll run for it.” 

The negro* followed his directions. Once more he seized 
me with no gentle hand ; and when the others saw a slight 
scuffle, in my attempts to escape, their courage returned, 
for they had something else to think of besides ghosts. 
The scoundrels forced me on my knees, and there held me 
until those who had the torches could throw a little light 
on the dark scene ; and, by the best bower that ship ever 
carried, there was need enough of it ; for some of the 
faces that surrounded me were darker than coal-tar, and 
as the night was warm, and the torches were hot, the 
holders of the same smelt worse than bad beef. 

John enjoyed his triumph, and so did the rest of the 
negroes ; for they uttefM a shout of derision, and that yell 
was answered by one in the avenue. Once more the shout 
was repeated, this time nearer the house. It was answered 
by one of the n.egroes ; and then the clatter of horse’s 
hoofs was heard, and into the light that the torches shed 
around, rode two horsemen, one of them as black as the 
forest at the back of the house, and the other I made out 
to be a white man. They dismounted and came towards 
us ; and when within a fathom or two, the slaves, who 
had circled around me, opened to admit the new comers. 

“Ah, John I” cried a familiar voice, “you have him 
fast, I see.” 

I looked at the man’s face, and, to my surprise, saw 
Colonel Rhett before me. 

“ Ah, colonel I ” I cried, “ you are just in time to aid 
me. I never in my life was more glad to see you.” 

“ You be hung for a rebel and a traitor,” was the brutal 
answer of the insulting and arrogant Virginian. 

The old colonel lighted a cigar by the aid of one of the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 276 

torches, and then, insolently puffing a cloud of smoke 
towards me, coolly and deliberately said, — 

“ Nary a helping hand do I lend you.*’ 

He laughed as he said this, but did not continue the 
conversation ; for John, who had entered the house for a 
moment, now returned, and the white man and the slave 
whispered together for a few moments. While they were 
thus engaged, I was allowed to stand on my feet, but so 
closely guarded that escape was impossible. At length 
the colonel and the mulatto closed their conference. 

“ Lead him on ! ” said the latter. 

Whereupon two of the negroes butted at me in such a 
manner that they were as resistless as Federal rams, and I 
was compelled to move on or go down ; but just as I 
ranged along in line with the colonel I manifested a little 
resistance, enough to provoke the ire of the slaves. They 
thought they would settle me with one grand combination 
butt, that would send me end for end like a spar in a hur- 
ricane. I watered their motions with a wary eye. I saw 
them bend their bullet-shaped heads, stiffen their bovine 
necks, and huddle closer together, as they made prepara- 
tions for the plunge ; and then, when they rushed for- 
ward, I stepped hastily to one side. The darkeys passed 
me with a grunt and a snort, and struck the Virginian 
just under the line of his belt in front. The" result was 
what could be expected. The colonel went over as 
though struck by a thirty-two pounder ; and the slaves, 
unable to stop their career, fell upon the warrior, and 
nearly crushed the life out of his body. The sight was so 
ludicrous, that even John was compelled to laugh ; and 
that was the signal for the rest of the slaves to join in. 

“ Yah, yah I ” roared the negroes. “ By golly, Pete 
and Sam outt de wrong one dat time, and no mistake. 
Dey jest like bulls, — shet 'em eyes, and away ’em goes. 
O, de Lord J to see dem nigs roll ober I ” 


276 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


The colonel managed to gain his feet ; but he could not 
speak for some time, owing to the blows which he had re- 
ceived in his stomach. He held on, with both hands, to 
that portion of his anatomy, and gasped for breath. When 
he did find his tongue, he swore some bitter oaths ; and 
his temper was not improved when I told him I was one 
of the blessed, having given him that which I should have 
received. 

“ None of your low blockade-running jokes on me,” 
gasped the victim, with both hands on his stomach. “ I 
wish the niggers had killed you.” 

“ The same to you, my valiant friend. Your loss would 
have been but little in the great cause.” 

“ Curse you and your cause. O, how my insides ache I 
The niggers’ heads are harder than cannon-balls.” 

John saw that the colonel was all doubled up with 
pain and rage ; so he composed his face, and motioned for 
me to move on. The slaves gave me a hustle forward, 
and on I went, John leading the way. He pushed open 
a stout oak door, snatched a torch from one of the negroes, 
and, waving it over his head, showed me the cell I was to 
occupy. It was not an inviting-looking place. It was 
close, dark, and damp, with a tomb-like smell that was 
sickening. There was no window to admit light or air : 
only the earth could be seen, wet and unwholesome, with 
great drops of water issuing from the soil, slimy and green 
— just such a place as snakes love to revel in. In one 
corner of the cell I saw several toads, — big fellows, with 
white breasts and black and yellow backs, — venerable 
chaps, which sat upon their hind legs, and winked in the 
most confidential manner, when the light of the torches 
flashed in the cell, and awoke them from their slumbers. 

“Here,” said John, with a sardonic smile, “you can 
remain comfortable until such time as you are wanted. It 
is useless for you to think of escaping or calling for help 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


277 


One of the colored gentlemen will always stand at your 
door, but no noise that you make can be heard beyond 
the building. You wiU live on bread and water, and none 
too much of that.” 

“ Thank you, John. Have you anything more to say ? ” 

“ No.” 

“ Then be kind enough to leave me and the toads and 
other reptiles together. We can dispense with your com- 
pany for the present. The time may come when I shall 
request a longer interview.” 

“ WeU, you are a cool hand, ain’t you? ” the mulatto 
asked. 

“ Yes ; I think I am. Good night, and don’t lie about 
me to Mrs. Gowen more than you can help.” 

“ Your interests in that quarter shall be attended to.” 

With this remark, the door was closed, locked, and 
barred, and I was left alone in the cell, with the bloated 
toads and spiders. 


CHAPTER IX. 

A PRISONER. — A NEGRO LEAGUE. — A FELLOW-SUFFER- 
ER. — BOWMOUNT IN A TRAP. — HE FINDS A CHISEL. 
— AT WORK TO GET OUT. — THE KENTUCKIAN ESCAPES. 

— SOME OLD FRIENDS APPEAR. — A MOMENT OF PERIL. 

— TIMELY ARRIVAL OF THE KENTUCKIAN. — THE TA- 
BLES TURNED. 

It was some moments before I could realize that I was 
a prisoner in the custody of escaped slaves, who were 
doing all that they could to weaken the South and help 
the North. They had selected a deserted mansion house 
as their head-quarters during the night, knowing that its 
19 


278 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


reputation for being haunted would keep people at a dis- 
tance ; while, in the neighboring swamps, to which they 
fled in the daytime, they were secure from attack, even 
from men or dogs ; for^the former feared to venture near 
them on account of snakes and desperate negroes, and the 
latter could not scent their prey over spongy ground and 
stagnant pools of water. 

So the negroes were safe from pursuit. For food, they 
depended upon contributions from the hands of dark- 
skinned allies, and sometimes foraged a little on the plan- 
tations from which they had fled some months before. 
They knew, to a chicken, how large a number of fowls 
were kept on the several places ; and, what was better, 
they could tell where to put their hands on the fattest, 
even in the darkest nights — an advantage of which the 
slaves often availed themselves when out prowling. The 
men were communicated with by couriers from the city, 
who brought word when their services were required on 
any particular night ; and the dark brotherhood never 
failed to attend in a body on every such occasion, prepared 
to do all the honors required. John had put himself in 
communication with the gang the instant he had landed. 
He had even gone to the house, in company with Sam, 
the coachman, who was one of the chief conspirators, and, 
in connection with some dozen others, attended to the 
Charleston department. John had told the slaves what 
a dangerous and desperate character I was, and what a 
good thing it would be if I was out of the way. 

This was the whole history of the gang, — some of them 
desperate and bold, and others arrant cowards, unfit to do 
the hard and bold work of their superiors. They seized 
upon all prominent confederates whom they could reach, 
or get into their power, and sold them to the Union forces 
as prisoners of war, or else quietly made way with them 
in the dreary cellar of that dark and lonely house. Those 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


279 


who were silently conveyed to the Union fleet were sent 
North, and refused exchange until the war was closed up. 
This was done at the special request of the slaves, who 
knew that if one of their prisoners should return to 
Charleston, and expose the secret of ^his capture, their ren- 
dezvous would be broken up, and all slaves in the vicinity 
be subjected to cruel treatment until sOme revelations 
were made. Of course I did not learn all these particu- 
lars for some time ; but I had plenty of opportunity to 
think of many things, and to study out the designs of 
the slaves, while lying in their dungeon ; for, in spite of 
the damp earth and my unpleasant companions, I was 
compelled to lie down to rest my weary limbs. But, for 
the first two hours after I was locked up, I remained on 
my feet, not daring to move for fear of stepping on a toad 
or some other obnoxious thing. But after a while I grew 
tired, and wanted a change ; so I yelled out at the top of 
my voice, — 

“ Corporal of the guard ? ” 

I knew no other method of attracting attention, and, did 
not just understand how I was to call my captors. There 
was no response to my first hail ; so I shouted again, — 

“ Corporal of the guard ? ” 

This time I pitched my voice in so high a key that it 
echoed through the cellar, and even startled me, it sound- 
ed so unearthly. Presently some one began slowly de- 
scending the steps, and when about half way down, 
stopped, and asked, — 

“ What dedikensyou mean by makin’ dat ar’ noise, and 
callin’ arter de corporal ob de guard ? Dar ain’t no such 
nigger here.” 

“ Then what do you call yourself? If you ain’t a cor- 
poral, what are you ? ” 

“ I’s Sambo Hayes j dat’s what I is. Now what you 
make dat noise fur ? ” 


280 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Come close to me, Sambo, and I’ll tell you. I want 
to speak to you in a low tone.” 

“ Look ’e here, sah,” cried the slave, in a threat, ening 
manner ; “ none o* yer blamed blockade-running tricks on 
me ; ’cos I won’t stand ’em, yer see.” 

“ Don’t be afraid. You know that I am unarmed.” 

“ I ain’t afeard of yer, white man. Don’t yer t’ink I 
is. It would take a l3igger white man dan you is to make 
me afeard.” 

“ I have no doubt of it. Sambo. Now, come close to 
the keyhole of the door, so that I can whisper to you.” 

“ Don’t yer be playin’ any of yer tricks on dis nigger, 
now I tells yer.” 

His voice sounded as though he was both frightened 
and angry. 

“ What is the matter ? ” 

“ I tells yer what it is, white man, yer can’t skeer me 
Yer may groan as much as yer likes ; but I’s got lots ob 
spunk, I has. O, de Lord I what dat ? ” 

I did not wonder at the slave’s concluding exclamation ; 
for as distinctly as ever I heard a sound, on shipboard 
or on the land, came a most unearthly groan floating 
through the dull, stifling air of that cellar, and die away 
in a low, sigh-like moan, that did sound most ghostly, and 
caused me to wish myself out of that den and in the 
open air. 

“ Don’t yer do dat agin,” cried Sambo, with chattering 
teeth. “ White man, I tells yer to stop it. If yer don’t, 
I leaves yer to yer own fate.” 

“ I have done nothing,” I said. “ Let me out, and I’ll 
prove it.” 

“ N-o — n-o,” was the stammering answer. 

Then for a moment there was silence ; but I could hear 
the teeth of the negro chattering as though he had an 
attack of fever and ague. Once more a groan, like that 




RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 281 

produced by a person in the last extremity, — low and 
gurgling at first, then rising higher and higher, until 
the sound resembled the sob of a sick-room. Then it died 
away like the sigh from the bosom of a dying consump- 
tive. ^ 

“ O, de Lord ! ” cried the negro. “ Jesus hab mercy on 
dis nigger, for ebber and ebber, amen. What de dikens 
does it mean ? Do you does dat, white man ? Speak and 
tells me.” 

“ Sambo, it is a warning for you to release me,” I said, 
in as solemn a tone as I could assume. “^Unless you 
throw open the doors, and set me free, you will be haunt- 
ed for life.” 

“ Den,” cried the negro, with the most wonderful alac- 
rity, “ dey don’t haunt dis child in de dark, now I tell 
yer. I’se off like a rigger, I is.” 

He ran up the stairs, and slammed the door after him ; 
and that was the last I heard of Sambo for the night : but 
the groans did not cease, for they were as dismal and fre- 
quent as ever, until at last I was forced to call out, and 
ask if flesh and blood produced such moans, or if they 
were forced from some unhappy ghost, who had walked 
the earth until tired of such sport, and now desired to 
enter the silent tomb, and take some rest. 

I called out three or four times, but no answer was 
returned. A deep groan was the only response ; and at 
last I became satisfied that some human being was a pris- 
oner, like myself, in that dreary cellar. I was supersti- 
tious, but not enough to believe that the groans were pro- 
duced through unearthly agency; so I kept on talking 
and hailing. 

“ Groans, ahoy I ” I cried. “ Just give us a different 
signal from that ; for I am tired of it. Try some other 
key, and see how you will succeed.” 

This remark seemed to attract some attention, for the 
dismal sounds ceased* 


282 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ That is right,” I remarked. “ Now vanish or go to 
sleep like a decent person; or, if you can’t sleep, let 
others.” 

For a minute there was a profound silence, during which 
time I kicked at several toads that were hopping around 
my feet as if to claim acquaintance, for mutual protection. 
Just as I was about to sit down on the cold ground, with 
my back to the wall, a feeble, shaking voice, coming from 
a distant part of the cellar, startled me. 

“ Who are you who calls so loud ? ” it asked. 

“ That is a question that I would like to ask you,” I 
replied. 

“ I am a poor, unhappy woman,” was the response. 

“ And I am unhappy also because I’m a prisoner, and 
unable to assist you,” I said. 

“ What I do you know who I am ? ” the shaky voice 
asked. 

“ I haven’t the slightest idea.” 

“ Then why do you take such an interest in me ? ” 

“Because ‘a fellow-feehng makes us wondrous kind.’ 
I’d like to get out of this den. Wouldn’t you ? ’ 

“ Alas I yes.” 

“ So should I ; but I don’t see any prospect of it just at 
present.” 

“ Neither do I, unhappy me.’* 

“ How came you here ? ” I continued. 

“ Before I answer that question, let me inquire, who you 
are? A negro?” 

“No; a white man.” 

“ Thank God I You are a confederate ? ” 

“ Am I not in South Carolina ? ” 

“ True ; you must be a friend.” 

“ I hope that I am the friend of all women, and espe- 
cially the friend of those in distress. Now, tell me how 
long you have been here, and how it happens that you are 
a prisoner.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


288 


“ I have been locked up in this damp and filthy cell 
for three weeks. During all that time I have not seen 
daylight, anything but the black faces of my jailers, who 
have thrust a little unwholesome food into my den, and 
then retired. Can you wonder that I am nearly dead, or 
that I groan with anguish, or* that I am half insane ? ” 

“ Why did the negroes meddle with vou, a lady, who 
would harm no one ? ” ^ 

“ Because I was active in the cause of the Confederacy. 
I have crossed the lines a dozen times, and brought infor- 
mation to our rulers.’’ 

“ Ah, a spy ! ” 

“ Yes,” in a tone of triumph ; “ and I was called the best 
one in the whole South. I know all the public men in 
Washington and Richmond, and in both places they trust- 
ed me. My services were so valuable to Mr. Davis and 
his cabinet, that they kept me constantly employed on my 
missions.” 

“ Missions of peril,” I remarked. 

“ No ; far from' it. The Yankees never harmed me, or 
offered to. The wretches have enough self-respect to 
abstain from insulting an unprotected female.” 

“ I am glad to hear so good an account of them,” I re- 
marked. “ They will grow wiser in time.” 

“ Before that happens the South will have secured its 
independence.” 

“ Perhaps so. You are a bold woman. But there is 
one thing you have not told me. Why did the negroes 
molest you ? 

“ I know not, unless it is with the intention of cut- 
ting short my usefulness ; for I believe the wretches are 
more in favor of the North than the South.'’ 

“ It would be just like them,” I remarked, in a dry tone. 
“They seem capable of most anything.” 

“ Yes ; but if I was free, I would pay them foi such 
treachery.” 


,j,n UU M g 1.1,. I":. ,n 1 1 JJ II I, n 


284 RIJNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

“ I suppose you would,” I simply said. 

Then the female spy, overcome by her feelings, uttei d 
several dismal groans in succession, which so exasperated 
one of the negro guards, that he opened the upper door, 
and swore he would “ come down dar and choke her 
if she didn’t shut up her head ; ” while, in spite of 
groans, toads, spiders, dampness, and the peculiarities of 
my^ situation, I sat down on the cold ground, and went to 
sleep. 

I think that I slept several hours ; for I was tired and 
worn out with the excitement of the previous night. When 
I awoke, I found several toads nestling on my breast, 
where they had sought refuge for the purpose of sharing 
the warmth of my body. I did not shake them off with 
the disgust which I had previously manifested. I began 
to look on them as companions, not agreeable ones, but to 
be endured because we were in the same cell, and could 
not escape, or obtain that freedom which I at least so much 
desired, even if the reptiles did not wish to see the sun, 
or even a glimmer of daylight, once more. 

Hour after hour passed. I paced my cell until I was 
tired, and could hardly stand ; and then I lay down, and 
went to sleep. I was wakened by a war of words, an 
outcry, a struggle ; and jumping . to my feet, the toads 
Hopped to the right and left as I started up. Light was 
entering the chinks of the door of my cell, but none of 
the cracks were large enough to permit me to see what 
was going on. I listened attentively, and heard a strug- 
gle as the negroes attempted to force some one down 
stairs. For a few minutes it was carried on without words ; 
but at length the slaves lost all patience, and I heard them 
threaten as though they were in earnest. Then a familiar- 
voice replied to the intimidations, — 

“ Shucks I Do yer think ye kin frighten me, yer black 
rascals ? Look ’e here ; I’ve licked a dozen jest sech 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


285 


niggers as you is afore breakfast, and never thought much 
of it. Don’t roll up the whites of yer eyes to me, my 
boys ; ’cos I ain’t in the least afeard of yer. You has me 
in a trap ; but dog on me ef I ain’t Kaintuck enough to 
break out of it if yer give me a chance, now I tell yer.” 

“ But we don’t ’tend to let yer out, sah,’’ replied one of 
the negroes. “We means to hold on to you ; dat’s what 
we means. You is too waluable, old man, to let loose and 
run round most anywhar.” 

“ You black dogs I ” was the angry rejoinder, “ ef I had 
yer in Charleston, I’d pay yer for this ; dog on me ef I 
wouldn’t, now ; though thar ain’t a man in old Kaintuck 
what treats his niggers as well as I does, and would be 
more glad to git rid on ’em, forever and ever, amen ; for 
we Has been cussed enough with yer.” 

“ Den why don’t yer stop it ? ” asked one of the slaves. 
“ Dat am de question.” 

“ ’Cos we is obstinate people, Cuffee. We don’t like to 
be driv. Don’t yer shove me that way. Hands off, yer 
black scoundrel. What I yer will, hey?” 

Then followed the sounds of a desperate struggle ; and 
curses and blows were scattered quite freely. I knew 
that the Kentuckian would make a desperate fight, and 
had my fears that the slaves would kill him ; but it seemed 
that they did not desire to take his life ; for they used no 
weapons except their hands, but those quite recklessly and 
freely. 

But numbers got the better of Bowmount. He was over- 
powered and crushed ; and then the negroes lifted him up, 
and pitched him into the cell next to the one that I 
occupied. The door was slammed to, bolted and barred ; 
and then the slaves began comparing damages, and at 
the same time taunting the Kentuckian with what he 
had done. 

At last the Kentuckian became speechless in his rage ; 




286 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 

and then, when the negroes found that it was useless to 
taunt him further, they departed, in high glee at the suc- 
cess of their little scheme. 

For half an hour all was quiet in the cells. I did not 
speak, fearing that one of the negroes was posted on the 
watch for the purpose of listening to what passed between 
Bowmount and myself. The Kentuckian would recover 
from his fit of anger, but still gave no sign that such was 
the case. 

All at once, without previous warning, the female spy, 
who had remained remarkably quiet during the struggle, 
as though she rather enjoyed it than otherwise, commenced 
uttering some of her extraordinary groans, the peculiarity 
of which I have before alluded to. Twice she sounded 
her notes of warning before Bowmount roused himself to 
make a response. 

“ Shucks I what’s that ? ” he growled, wonderingly. 

Another groan was the answer. 

“ Look ’e here I ” he fairly yelled ; “if you niggers is up to 
some more of your tricks, just shut down on ’em ; ’cos I tell 
yer they won’t go down with me. I know ’em, and don’t 
care for ’em. All the niggers in old Kaintuck can’t fool 
me a mite.” 

A more terrible groan was the response. 

I had become satisfied that none of the darkies were 
listening, and so spoke to Bowmount in a whisper ; but, 
to my surprise, he seemed to regard it as another device 
of the enemy, and roared out, 

“ To the dickens with you, you black scoundrel ! 
Don’t bother me nowthat I’m caged and disarmed. You’ve 
trapped me, and that ought to satisfy you.” 

“ Hush I ” I cried. “ Listen to me. You know my 
voice — don’t you ? ” 



RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


287 


“ Bowmount ? Don’t be a goose. Hear me a moment.” 

“ Who is it ? ” 

“ It’s Barnwell,” 

“ My God I you don’t say so I Is it possible that you 
are here ? ” 

“Yes. I was trapped and caged in a simple manner.” 

“ But I warn’t. They told me that you was sick, and 
wanted to see me. I said, ‘ Show me where he is, and I’ll 
iiave him cured if money can do it.’ Then I put a bottle 
of A No. 1 whiskey in my pocket, and got into a carriage 
John said had been sent for me.” 

“ And they drove you here.” 

“ Yes ; that whitewashed nigger John, and a big black 
chap they called Sam. And he took my watch, and be 
hanged to him.” 

Just then, the woman, who had been silent for some 
time, uttered a dismal groan, as though she sympathized 
with the Kentuckian in his misfortunes. 

“ Ah I no wonder you grunt,” cried the practical Ken- 
tuckian. 

“ O, my dear good man I ” cried she, utterly ignoring 
Bowmount’s^ remark, “ can’t you get me out of this ? ” 

“ Humph,” muttered he, “ I’d like to see myself gittin’ 
out, or else gittin’ a drink of whiskey. If you’U open my 
door. I’ll open yours; and then we’ll help one another.” 

“ I wish I could,” was the dismal response. 

“ So do I, with all my heart. If wishes had any effect, 
then I’d have a bottle of old rye in the twinkling of an 
eje.” 

1 heard my eccentric friend kick at the toads, so that he 
could clear a place and lie down, and in a few minutes, by 
his deep breathing, knew that he was asleep. I thought 
that I could not do better than follow his example ; and 
mucn, no doubt, to the gratification of my companions, I 
soon afforded them a resting-place, for when I awoke I 


288 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


found toads roosting on my breast, as contented as toads 
are supposed to be. 

I removed them as gently as possible ; but Bowmount 
was not so forbearing when he awoke. He hurled the 
harmless things across his den, uttered some frightful 
growls and oaths, and then arose and shook himself like a 
wild beast. 

“ Did you have a good sleep ? ” I asked. 

“ No. How in the deuce is a man to sleep on the ground ? 
Bah ! I’m all cramps and cold. A bottle of whiskey would 
now be worth a fortune. O for one good pull at a flask ! ” 

Then for a few moments he thrashed round the den, 
to circulate his blood; but soon stopped all noise, and 
seemed to meditate over some project. Presently he 
whispered, — 

“ Barnwell, old feller I ” 

“ Yes ; what is it ? ” 

“ Darn me if I ain’t found a chisel in my cell.” 

“ Is it good for anything ? ” 

“ Yes ; quite stout and sharp.” 

“ Can you work with it ? ” 

“ Work with it? Why, man alive, I could open half 
the jail doors in old Kaintuck with it.” 

“ Never mind Kentucky. Can you open your door, 
and then mine?” 

“ Shucks I I’ll try it, dog on me if I don’t. You jest 
lay low, and look out for ducks. If them nigs will give 
me a chance to work, I’ll go through the door like a dose 
of corn-juice.” 

I was willing to put trust in his promises, so waited 
patiently for him to commence operations. 

“ Now, then,” he said, after he had made a brief exami- 
nation of the cell, “ you just whistle or sing, and I’ll work. 
If that woman could groan a little, I wouldn’t object. It 
might help us some.” 




RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 289 

I commenced the task assigned me, and Bowmount went 
to work with vigor, yet did not make noise enough to 
attract the attention of the negroes who were on guard 
just above us. After an hour’s labor, I ventured to ask 
how he was succeeding. 

“ Bully,” was the reply. Keep whistling. I’m doing 
well.” 

I recommenced, and went through all the tunes that 1 
knew, — Dixie, Yankee Doodle, and Hail Columbia, com- 
ing in for a share ; the two latter causing the confederate 
spy to utter some dismal groans, as though in remonstrance 
at such wickedness. At length the Kentuckian tore off a 
piece of the oak door with less caution than usual ; and 
the noise drowned my music, and attracted the attention 
of the negro who stood at the head of the stairs. 

“ What dat you do dar, hey ? ” he demanded, opening 
% door. 

We returned no answer. 

“ What noise dat I hear ? ” 

“ I want something to eat,” I said. “ I am hungry. 
Give me a hoe-cake, or I’ll whistle all night.” 

“ Can’t do it now, sah,” replied the negro, in a tone 
that was far from brutal. “ Yer see the nigs is all off on a 
stealin’ raid, and only me and one oder is here to look arter 
you fellers. If I had de grub, you should hab it. De 
best dat I kin do is to gib you water all round, and dat’U 
have to do yer till the nigs comes back wid some dings.” 

“We don’t want water. We have enough of that.” 

The door closed with a slam, and for half an hour Bow- 
mount remained silent, fearing to work, thinking that he 
might be overheard by the sentinels. But, when we sup- 
posed that our vigilant colored guard was asleep, the chisel 
was once more called into use. The Kentuckian then 
labored with such vigor, that, in an hour’s time, he an- 
flounced, with a mighty effort suppressing a shout of 


290 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


exultation, that his door was open, and he had free run of 
the cellar. 

Now what sEall T do ? ” he asked. “ Shall I pitch 
into the niggers single-handed, and kill ’em; or had I 
better help you out first, and then join forces?” 

' “ Help me out, and then we’ll see what can be done.” 

“ The chisel is dull, and my hands are bleeding.” 

“ Then why not escape without delay, and return with 
a force strong enough to rescue me ? ” 

Thar is somethin’ in that,” muttered the Kentuckian. 

“ There is much in the suggestion that will meet your 
views when I tell you that it is the only course that will 
save your life and my own. Of course you cannot hope to 
liberate me for an hour or more.” 

“ That’s so, Barnwell. Dog on the chisel I it’s so dull.” 

“Well, suppose the negroes should enter the cellar 
while you were at work ; wouldn’t they ^ee that you had 
operated on the door ? ” . 

“ Shucks I of course they would. If they had eyes, 
they’d see the splinters. How could they help it?” 

“ And, as soon as they'made the discovery, we should be 
shot, or ironed in a secure manner, with no hope of escape.” 

“ Yes ; the nigs would light on us like June-bugs.” 

“ Then see if it is not possible to escape before the raid- 
ing gang returns.” 

“But, shucks, Barnwell I I can’t leave you here all 
alone.” 

“ I shan’t be alone. Don’t yoi; know that the groaning 
lady will keep me company until you return? ” 

“ Yes ; but dog on sech company as that. It’s wiisser 
than none.” 

“ Then I have my toads.” 

“ The warmints.” 

“ They will prevent me from growing rusty. Do as I 
re(|uest you. Leave this place, and come back and rescue 



A STRTJGGLE IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE. —Page 291 








RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 291 

“ If I thought that you wouldn’t think hard of me, old 
fellow.” 

“ Not a hard thought shall cross my mind. I tell you 
that it is the only safe plan. Lose no time, but leave at 
once. Crowd sail, and be off.” 

“ I will, old feller. Good by till I sees yer agin. I’ll 
come back, unless they lets daylight into me.” 

He then moved from the door ; and I could hear him 
feel his way to the stairs, and ascend them in so soft and 
quiet a manner, that I knew he had taken off his boots, and 
was proceeding in his stocking-feet. I listened in breath- 
less silence for the result of the Kentuckian’s venture, 
uncertain how he would proceed. Presently I heard a 
light tap on the door, as though produced by the foot of 
an impatient cat, anxious to escape from the cellar. It 
(lid not arouse the negro sentinel, however ; so the tap 
was succeeded by others, until, at last, the slave unbarred 
and opened the door, growling impatiently, — 

“What is all dis about?” 

He had no time to utter more ; for the wiry Kentuckian 
at the instant seized him by the throat, hurled him down 
the stairs, and closed and bolted the door. The slave 
struck on his head, and so was not injured in the least. 
He appeared to rub the parts that came in contact with 
the stones and boards, and I could hear him muttering to 
himself, — 

“ What de Avorld does all dis mean, I’d like to know ? 
How come dis chile here ? ” 

As no answer was returned to this pertinent question, 
the negro, after a moment, continued to soliloquize : — 

“ De fust t’ing I knows, I was down here when I 
oughter be up dar. Bress de Lord I if I don’t b’lieve dat 
wild bull of a Kentuckian is out and off. Is you in dar, 
old Kaintuck ? ” 

There was no answer. I thought it best to pretend 

sleep. 


20 


292 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Blame me if I don’t t’iuk he’s gone. What de woi ld 
will I do ? How can I get out, and go arter him ? What 
kind ob a way am dis to treat a man ? What will de udders 
say when dey comes back ? By gracious, but dis do beat 
eberyt’ing.” 

The slave continued to grumble until even the female 
spy could not stand it ; so she uttered a deep groan, 
expressive of her disgust. This started the negro on a 
new topic, and he exclaimed, — 

“ Stop dat nonsense, will yer ? What de dikens yer 
mean by makin’ such a noise as dat are ? Don’t yer know 
dat I don’t like it ? If yer must do so, jist wait till dis 
chile gits out ob de way. O de Lord ! who dat ? ” 

I had spoken to him ; but such was his terror, he was 
not disposed to think my voice a human one. 

“Don’t be alarmed, Sambo,” I said. “Nothing will 
harm you.” 

“I ain’t alarmed a bit, massa,” he replied, his tone a 
little shaky yet ; “ but yer did rudder gib me a start, now 
dat am a fact. I fought you hab gone wid dat wild 
Kentuckian, dat we had so much trouble to git here. I’s 
glad dat I has you and dat groaner left to show de nigs dat 
I has had my eyes open.” 

I talked with the slave for an hour, for I was glad of 
lihe opportunity ; and, without revealing my true charac- 
ter, gave him some hints as to the intentions of the Yan- 
kees. Finally the door of the cellar was unbolted, and 
some one asked, — 

“ Sambo, is you dar ? ” 

The answer came rather ungraciously. 

“ Yes ; I be.” 

“ What de world you doin’ dar? Who tole yer to go 
down, and den bolt yerself in ? ” 

“ Nobody.” 

“ Den wot yer do it fur ? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 298 

“ ’Cos I couldn’t help myself. Dat am de reason, you 
ignorant nigger you.” 

“ Will yer ’splain about it ? ’' 

“ Well, den, while you was gone, dat wild bull of a 
Kentuckian bust t’rough de door widout any warnin’, grab 
me by de neck, chuck me down de stairs, and den bolts 
de door, and cuts and runs. 1 is here ; but where de dikens 
dat Kentuckian is, I don’t know. Dat’s all about it.” 

The slaves uttered a howl of indignation, and would 
have vented their spite upon Sambo if some one had not 
interfered, and put a stop to the row. Who it was I had 
no means of learning ; but he seemed to have some power 
over the negroes ; fcir I Qould hear him order Sambo from 
the cellar, and bid the slaves close the door, and talk less, 
— all of which was obeyed. It was a white man who 
assumed charge, and he. made those around him obey like 
a person who was accustomed to discipline. 

All noise ceased. If there was any discussion, it was 
carried on in subdued tones, so that I could not hear it, 
much as I tried to ; but, after waiting an hour or more, a 
gang entered the cellar, and opened the door of my cell. 

“ Come,” Sambo said ; “ you is wanted.” 

“ Who wants me ? ” 

“ Never yer mind dat. You jist come along, and don’t 
ax questions. Now, den, no tricks on us; ’cos we is ready 
for wiolence of any kinds.” 

I could see, by the torches which the slaves earned, that 
all the men were armed,-some with pistols and knives, and 
others with knives and no pistols. As there was no doubt 
in my mind but that the negroes would use their weapons 
in case of necessity, I concluded to accompany them, the 
more readily because I was anxious to leave the den where 
I had been confined for so many hours.- 

“Sambo,” I said, “I would like to know if I am to 
come back to my cell.” 

“ What for you want to know dat.” 


294 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Because I have some companions in here whom I wish 
to take leave of if I am not to see them again. 

The slaves thought I meant human beings ; for they 
jumped back, and laid their tawny hands on their pistols 
and knives, fearing a_ Kentuckian-like attack. 

“Whar am dem companions what you speak of?’* 
Sambo demanded. 

“Those three or four toads which you see in the 
corner.” 

The negroes peered at them by the aid of their torches, 
and then laughed, while Sambo remarked, — 

“ You don’t take dis t’ing berry hard — does you ? ” 

“ No ; why should I ? ” 

“ Well, massa, dat is for yous to find out. You isn’t a 
bad rebel, I reckon, even if you is a South Carlinian ; so 
m do what I can for yer ; but blast dat Kaintuck ! he’s 
de dikens and all. We has no mercy for white trasl 
what forces a colored gemman down stairs when de gem- 
man don’t want to go.” 

The colored guards closed around me, marched me up 
the cellar-stairs. Sambo leading the way, a pistol in one 
hand, and a long, sharp knife in the other. His compan- 
ions carried the pine torches, the smoke from which was 
dense and black enough to suffocate one, causing the 
female spy to utter the most dismal groans, much to the 
enjoyment of the slaves, who appeared to have but little 
sympathy for her sufferings. 

Into the large room, on the ground floor, I was marched ; 
and there I found some ten or twelve other slaves, with 
only one settee for the entire party ; consequently the 
apartment was not so full of smoke but that I could 
breathe, although but little air entered the room, on 
account of the windows being boarded up on the outside. 

“ You jist stand dar ! ” cried Sambo, who seemed to 
rank as sergeant, and to have recovered the ground which 
he had lost through the escape of Bowmount. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


295 


He pointed to a corner of the apartment, the one 
farthest from the door and windows, as though he feared 
I would make a flying leap, and disappear from their 
sight. 1 assumed the station allotted to me. 

“ Now tell ’em that we is ready,” Sambo commanded in 
a pompous tone. 

One of the slaves left the room; and, while I was 
wondering what was up, he returned, preceding two 
white men and half a dozen negroes. Among the latter I 
recognized John, the mulatto ; but his white companions I 
did not know, their faces being concealed by slouched hats, 
and coat collars turned up. 

“ This is the rebel I spoke to you about,” John said, 
stepping forward as ttiaster of ceremonies. “ He is one 
of the most dangerous men I ever saw. He is bold 
and unscrupulous to such a degree that no one is safe who 
ventures to differ from him. He is a great prize, and must 
be taken care of.” 

I saw one of the white men start, as he looked me 
over, as though surprised at seeing me ; but as I kept my 
eyes towards the person, interested in his movements, I 
noticed that the slouched hat was^ partly removed, just 
enough to show me the handsome and boyish face of Mr. 
Harry Bluff, alias Reefpoint, alias English Harry, tilias 
English seaman, the Yankee midshipman on board the 
Stingeree, Captain Switchell. A finger was laid on the 
lad’s lips as a token of silence, or I should have uttered 
an exclamation of astonishment. 

“ Bah! ” said the midshipman, in a tone of contempt; 
“ he don’t look dangerous. The Yankees could walk 
through a million such men, and not exert themselves.” 

“ You don’t know him ! ” cried the mulatto, in an eager 
tone. “ He is one of the most dangerous men in the 
rebel states. A person who can bamboozle an admiral, 
run his ship past the entire fleet, and laugh at the w hole 
Yankee forces, is one to be looked after.” 


296 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“But where is the other character ? Where is the rebel 
Kentuckian, the owner of the steamer Belle ? He is the 
desperate one, I should suspect. Trot him out. Let us 
look at him. If he is as desperate as you say he is, we’ll 
take care of him, and give him safe quarters.” 

The negroes remained silent. Mr. Reefpoint’s compan- 
ion, who I saw was a young petty officer of the Stinge- 
ree, intimated that, if it was not too much trouble, he 
should like to see the Kentucky roarer. 

“We had trouble enough with him,” said the mulatto, 
gnashing his teeth ; “but, in spite of all our precautions, 
the rascal has escaped from our clutches.” 

Then the negroes yelled in chorus, — 

^‘Hallelujah! hallelujah! see him run, 

Run, run, run ! 

May de. diken catch him, 

Catch him, catch him, 

And jerk him to kingdom come, 

Come, come ! ” 

A relic of their plantation days, when all hands were 
compelled to listen to the preaching of one of their own 
number, and sang extempore songs in praise of Him whom 
they worshipped in their rude way. 

“ Tell your friends to stop that howling,” said Mr. Reef- 
point. “I don’t want a squad of confederate soldiers 
coming down on me like a thousand of brick. The less 
noise we have about this business, the better.” 

“ There is no fear, sah,” replied an old negro. “ Dis 
house am haunted, and no white man come near it in de 
night time. De more noise we make, de less dey come 
here.” 

John looked at my watch, — for, by some means or 
other, the rascal had obtained it from Sam, — and an- 
nounced that it was time to make ^ movement of some 
kind or other. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


297 


“ It is three o’clock,” he said. “ In a few minntes wa 
shall have daylight ; and then the men will have to take 
to the swamp, and keep concealed till dark. Yon should 
be on your way unless you intend to remain with us until 
to-morrow.” 

“ Which course is the safest? ” 

Mr. Reefpoint pondered this question in a careless tone, 
as though he was rather indifferent on the subject. 

“ My advice,” John replied in a decisive tone, “ is to 
leave at once.” 

“ What is there to fear ? ” 

“ That escaped Kentuckian is more to be feared than 
you suppose. If he clears the swamps, he will bring a 
squad of soldiers down upon us. Then our secret is dis- 
covered, the house taken possession of, and a hound-like 
hunt for our gang. You must get out of the way of all 
danger.” 

This caused a sensation in the negro ranks ; and several 
dark looks were cast at Sambo, who had been on guard 
when Bowmount made his escape. 

“That would be awkward,” Mr. Reefpoint remarked. 
“ I have no desire to. see rebel soldiers so far from salt 
water. Put the darbies on the prisoner,” said the midship- 
man, addressing the petty officer at his side. “ We must 
make all safe.” 

When the slaves heard the click of the irons, they were 
inclined t‘o be jubilant, and hardly knew whether they had 
better dance or shout in chorus. Already had they com- 
menced shuffling their feet,, and began to throw back their 
heads, for the purpose of expressing theii* joy, when Mr. 
Reefpoint interfered, and checked the outburst. 

“None of your confounded noise at this time of morn- 
ing,” he said. “Wait till I’m out of sight before you 
put on steam. Come ; we must start. Let the pilot lead 
the way, and we’ll foUow him.” 


208 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


A young and vigorous negro stood forth as the person 
who was to lead us to salt water. He had a knapsack on 
his shoulders, and a revolver and bowie-knife in his belt. 
He looked just like a person who would endure much toil 
and privation to maintain a principle ; so I was not 
surprised to learn that he was the regular guide for 
those adventurous Yankees who landed on the coast, and 
penetrated to the interior of South Carolina, for the pur- 
pose of holding consultations with the negroes, and receiv- 
ing important prisoners whom the slaves had captured. 

“ I am ready,” said the young black, opening the door. 

“Now, Mr. Rebel,” cried the midshipman, “will you 
go along peaceably, or will you be led?” 

“ Peaceably,” I replied. 

“ On your honor ? ” 

“ On my honor, I will make no effort to escape unless 
you approve of the same.” 

“ I’m satisfied.” 

Then, turning to the mulatto, he said in a louder tone, — 

“ Good by, John. Let ns hear from you, as soon as 
possible, in relation to the subject I spoke to you about.” 

It was not until we had left the broad avenue, nearly 
overgrown with grass from utter neglect and disuse, and 
struck across the country, that the midshipman spoke to 
me ; and then it was in a whisper, so that the negro pilot 
could not overhear him. 

“ I found you in a bad fix, Mr. Barnwell,” he said. 

“ Yes,” I responded eagerly ; “ but it might have been 
worse.” 

“ Egad, I don’t know about that. Are you aware that 
those fellows hain’t much conscience when a white rebel 
is concerned ? ” 

“ So I should suppose ; but I was not in the least 
alarmed for my safety.” 

“ The deuce ! Will you tell me who you are, sir ? for I 
don’t know for certain if you are loyal or rebel.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


299 


“ (Certainly. I am an officer in the confederate navy.” 

“ Gammon ! Excuse me, but I don’t believe it.” 

“ Just as you please. Now let me ask you a question.” 

“ Fire away.” 

“ Well, how does it happen that I see you on such duty 
as this ? I supposed you were on your way north in the 
Spitfire.” 

“ O, Captain Switchell said that I was very useful to 
him; so transferred me to the Stingeree. We chased 
a blockade-runner as far as Fort Sumter ; and then I re- 
ceived orders to land, and follow the lead of this black 
pilot. Barnes and I had a sweet time of it, last night, 
riding through swamps and jungles, cruising around hills 
to avoid the rebs, and getting shot on suspicion that we 
were a parcel of darkies on a raid.” 

“ You’d better believe it,” muttered Barnes, the petty 
officer. “ It was awful cruisin’-ground, and a feller had to 
feel his way.” 

“ Or else run the risk of feeling lead,” remarked the 
middy, as though he cared but little for danger, provided 
he could share some excitement. 

“You are a rash boy, and Captain Switchell should 
have known better than to have sent you on such an 
expedition,” I said. 

“ O, I don’t know about that. Some one had got to go, 
and I as well as another. I suppose that ray neck is no 
more precious than Barnes’s, and yet Barnes volunteered 
to accompany me.” 

“ Of course I did, Mr. Barnwell. I likes a lark as well 
as the next one, and I guess our prisoner does too, ’cos I 
think I has seen his face on board the Stingeree.” 

“Asa prisoner,” I remarked. 

“ Well, sir, you can call it what you please ; it don’t 
matter to me. Only I saw you there.” 

“ Well, I hope that you won’t see me again in a hurry,” 


300 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I remarked ; “ for I must leave you iu a few minutes. Be 
kind enough to take off the darbies.’’ 

“ What ! ain’t you going with us ? ” asked the mid ly, 
in a tone of astonishment. 

“ Not this morning. You must return to the ship with- 
out me. Come ; remove the irons ; for T have worn them 
long enough to accommodate you.” 

“ But what shall I tell the pilot ? He’ll think it mighty 
strange.” 

“ Perhaps so, after he discovers the loss ; but you’ll 
notice that he does not turn his head very often to look in 
this direction ; and, besides, it is dark ; so I can slip away 
quite readily, and be in Charleston by sunrise.” 

“ But the admiral and captain will grumble if I don’t 
tow them a prisoner. They expected two big ones, you 
know.” 

“ Give my compliments to Captain Switchell, and tell 
him that I prefer land to water just at present.” 

“ Yes, sir ; I’ll do so.” 

Then off came the irons that had graced my wrists.^ 
Just as they were removed, we crossed a road, and then 
the noise of ringing muskets ' saluted our ears, and the 
words, uttered as though in earnest, of, “ Who goes 
there? Halt.” 

Our negro pilot gave one look, a bound, and then landed 
in a clump of bushes, and disappeared from the scene. 
Half a dozen shots were fired ; and the bullets struck tlie 
bushes, cutting off twigs, and scattering them to the right 
and left, as though distributed by a whirlwind. 

“ Look after that nigger,” shouted a commanding voice. 
“ Capture him, dead or alive.” 

Half a dozen men, dressed in gray, sprang from their 
ambush, and dashed after the runaway pilot ; while 1 
could see that enough soldiers remained to take care of us. 
I think that, while I was waiting for further commands, I 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


301 


counted no less than thirty musket-barrels ; and all of 
them were pointed in our direction, ready to speak if we 
moved in opposition to commands. 

Even in this moment of confusion I had time to ask Mr. 
Reefpoint and Barnes a question. 

“ Have you on your person,’’ I asked, “ a single article 
which will prove that you belong to Uncle Sam ? Speak 
quick, and don’t deceive me.” 

“ Not even a button,” the midshipman replied, as cool 
as the day we met in Nassau. 

“ Are you sure ? ” 

“Quite sure. We took care of that when we left the 
ship.” 

“Then be guided by me, and I’ll try to save you. 
Know nothing of the Yanks. You are common sailors, 
— nothing more, — and here on a lark.” 

“Do you surrender?” roared an officer, who now ap- 
peared in front of his line. 

“ Of course we do, and mighty glad to find the chance,” 
■ I" replied. “We are unarmed, and incapable of making 
resistance, even if we desired to.” 

“ Remember, let me do all fhe talking,” I cried, in a low 
whisper, when I saw the soldiers order arms, and then 
advance to surround us. “ You belong to the blockade- 
runner Belle, Captain Barnwell, now in the port of 
Charleston. You came out to look for me, and to have a 
lark. Not a word more, as you value your neck.” 

All right,” both of my companions replied. 

Then they commenced whistling Dixie, in regular sailor 
style, careless and free. Some thirty men — dark, long- 
' haired men, with dirty gray uniforms, rough beards, and 
reckless manners — surrounded us before we had time to 
exchange another word, 

“ Who are you, and where do you hail from ? ” de- 
manded the officer who commanded the company. 


802 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ They is Yankee spies ; that’s what they is,” two or 
three of the confeds shouted, giving us a push, so that 
they could see our faces and examine our persons. 

“ If they are Yankees, a rope and a tree will make short 
work with them,” the officer said. 

“ Let’s hang ’em fust, and try ’em arterwards,” was 
the cry. 

I did not know but that such a course would be adopted 
still 1 did not manifest the least impatience or fear. 

“ I reckon some of you fellers never faced the Yanks, 
or you’d know them better when you saw them,” I re- 
marked, in a bantering tone. “ But I don’t intend to 
quarrel with you on that account. I’ll just tell you 
who I am, and see if it won’t satisfy you.” 

The soldiers leaned on their guns, and the officers on 
their swords, all waiting to hear my yarn, and all pre- 
pared to disbelieve it, no matter how closely I stuck to the 
truth. 

Just at this moment, the six scouts, who had gone in 
pursuit of the negro pilot, returned and reported that, 
although they had failed to capture the runaway, they had 
secured his knapsack and blanket, and that in the former 
they had found a bottle of whiskey. 

“ Show it,” was the cry that went up from all hands. 

“ Here is the bottle,” cried one, holding it up. 

“ And the whiskey ? ” 

“ We’ve drank it.” 

A chorus of groans was the response to this excla- 
mation ; and one fellow, who seemed to feel especially 
aggravated, uttered an emphatic hope that the liquor 
would “ pizen the selfish scamps what swallowed it.” 

This little episode over, the soldiers prepared to listen 
to what I had to utter in explanation of why we were 
there. 

I commenced by telling the truth. I informed them 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


803 


that I commanded the blockade-runner Belle, and that 
the negroes had enticed me away from the vessel on the 
ground that some one desired to see me on business, and 
they had kept me confined in a house until within a few 
hours, when an opportunity offered to escape, and that I 
had met a negro, who had agreed to take me to the city, 
and while on the way I met the two sailors, who had come 
in search of me, being also on a “ lark ” at the same time. 

As soon as I had finished speaking, there was a mo- 
ment’s silence ; and then the captain of the company 
asked, — 

“ And you expect us to believe all you have said ? ” 

“ I certainly do.” 

“ Why do you ? ” 

“ Because it is the truth.” 

The soldiers uttered a shout of derision, and some of 
them laughed in a scornful manner at the idea of their 
swallowing such an improbable yam. 

“ Look here, my friend,” said the captain, as soon as 
the noise subsided ; “ we have heard just such yarns be- 
fore ; and when I tell you that I don’t believe it, I but 
express my convictions. We have often heard of Yan- 
kees landing on the coast, and penetrating inland, for the 
purpose of acting the part of spies. In fact, it was only 
last night we were informed that a party had come on 
snore from one of the gunboats ; and so we were on the 
lookout for you, with orders from the general to string 
you up as soon as we captured you.” 

“ On the supposition that we are the ones who came 
on shore ? ” 

The captain bowed, and lighted a home-made cigar. . 

“ Do I look like a spy ? ” I demanded with dignity. 

“You don’t look like anything else,” was the consoling 
^eply. 

“ And yon won’t believe the yarn that I have related ? ” 


804 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ I can hardly take it in. It looks too improbable.” 

“ Name one thing that looks to you unreasonable.” 

“ A dozen, if you desire so many. In the first place, do 
you think that a South Carolinian would believe that a 
party of slaves dared to play such tricks at the present 
time ? They are too faithful for that ; but even if they 
desired to aid the Yanks, they have no chance ; for a con- 
stant watch is kept on their movements. They cannot 
stir unless it is known to the patrol.” 

“ Haven’t you missed some of your prominent men 
within a month or two ? ” 

“ Two or three of them have stepped out ; but we can 
guess where they are, without thinking that they have 
been kidnapped in such a way as you suggest.” 

“ It is no use,” whispered Reefpoint. “We can’t pull 
the wool over their eyes. Save yourself, and let us meet 
the fate they intend for us.” 

“ Never,” I replied. “ We will all go clear, or we will 
all hang together. Even to the last, stick to it that you 
are confeds. We must pull through.” 

“ I think,” remarked the captain, “ that you had better 
get ready for a swing from the limb of some tree.' You 
have played your trump card, and it isn’t large enough. 
Ndw we’ll play ours, and see if we can’t euchre you.” 

“I have no doubt but that you can,” I said ; “for you 
hold the right and left bowers ; but if you proceed to ex- 
tremities^ you will find that even the winner, of the game 
had better have lost.”' 

“Look ’e here,” cried the captain in a confident tone; 
“ if you are innocent, as you try to make out, what made 
your guide, the nigger, cut and run for it ? ” 

“ I haven’t the slightest idea.” 

“Another question. Why was you heading towards 
salt water, across the country, instead of making for the 
ei^?” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 305 

“ Haven’t I told you that the negro said he knew of a 
short cut, that would save us several miles ? ” 

“ Gammon ! ” roared the men, laughing at the absurdity 
of the story. 

“ Our South Carolina niggers,” said the captain, “ are 
not up to such games as that. They have too much re- 
spect for a white man to deceive one.” 

“ I think you are mistaken, and believe that the negro 
guide meant to lead us astray ; but of our honesty you 
can be assured by returning to the house where I was 
confined, or else taking us to Charleston.” 

“ It would be a waste of time. We have proof enough 
of your guilt, and so don’t care to add to it.” 

With this remark, the captain glanced in the direction 
Cf the stout limb of a palmetto tree that grew near by. 

Some of his men took the hint ; and with a yeU that 
sounded fiendish and cruel, they stacked their arms, and 
produced three ropes, which were made of Manila hemp, 
were small and new, and which looked as though they 
were kept on hand for special cases, just like the one 
now presented. 

Up the tree went one of the soldiers, reaching the stout 
limb with the agility of an ape ; and there the fellow sat, 
and waited for his comrades to throw the ends of the ropes 
up to him, so he could make them secure. 

Once more little Reefpoint appealed to me, in the hope 
that I would save my life at the expense of his own. 

While we were looking at the ropes, and wondering 
what we should do next (for I had not given up all hope) 
some of the more adventurous of the soldiers, recollecting 
that we had not been searched, thrust their hands in our 
pockets, and went all over us in so expeditious a manner 
as to prove that they were accustomed to such business. 
But they found nothing that was calculated to establish 
either our innocence or guilt. 


806 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Wliile this was going on, I asked the captain to give 
me a moment’s private conversation. After a minute’s 
hesitation, he complied; and I had an opportunity to 
speak to him without being overheard. 

“ Captain,” I asked, “ do you really mean to hang us ? ” 

“Such is my present intention,” the officer replied, 
once more lighting a cigar, and having the politeness to 
offer me one. 

As it seemed to be the last time that I should have an 
opportunity to taste tobacco, I accepted the present, and 
lighted the cigar from the captain’s smoking weed. 

“ You had better think twice of the matter,” I re- 
marked. “You will be sorry if you carry out your inten- 
tions.” 

“ Perhaps I shall. If I am. I’ll let you know when we 
meet in the next world.” 

“ There’s not the slightest prospect of that,” I replied. 

“Why not?” 

“ Because, while you will go to a hot place, I shall go 
to a more agreeable abode.” 

“ Then I’ll send word ; although I’m not sure but our 
positions may be reversed.” 

The captain was a good-natured man, and did not take 
offence. From this I had great hope. I thought I might 
joke him into a reprieve until I could get word to my 
friends in Charleston. But I soon saw that the scamp 
could laugh and smile, and still be willing to inflict capital 
punishment upon parties whom he supposed unfriendly to 
the Confederacy. 

I was just about to make a last tender, to offer a large 
sum for my life and the lives of the other two, when 
we heard the sound of horses’ feet ; and then down the 
road came two men, mounted on stout cobs. 

“ Hollo I whom have we here ? ” muttered the captain. 
“ Perhaps some one whom you know. If so, call him as 
a witness.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


307 


The horsemen approached with much confidence, until 
they were near enough to show me the venerable face of ^ 
Colonel Rhett and the dark countenance of John the 
mulatto — two men whom I could not expect would act 
a friendly part. 

“ Here are two persons,” I said, addressing the captain, 

“ who will prove me a true friend to the Confederacy, pro- 
vided they speak the truth.” 

“ What makes you think they won’t do the right thing 
by you ? ” asked the captain. 

“ Because both of them were concerned in my imprison- 
ment. They belong to the gang of negroes I spoke to 
you about.” 

The soldier laughed in a careless, incredulous sort of 
manner, as though he was not to be deceived by such 
shams. 

“You are a victim to persecution,” the captain said. 

“ I have met just such people before.” 

“ So much the worse for me. But call them, and hear 
what they say.” 

“ Bring those men here,” the captain ordered. 

His soldiers had surrounded the new arrivals, and were 
asking a few questions. These were important in some 
respects ; for all the interrogations commenced with whis- 
key, and ended with tobacco — two articles which the 
confederate defenders desired above all things. 

As Colonel Rhett seldom travelled far from home with- 
out whiskey and tobacco, he was in a measure enabled to 
supply a small stock of each to the men ; which was re- 
ceived with growls that it was not more, and disposed of 
in a few swallows and some twenty chews. 

The valiant Virginian and the mulatto had consulted 
together for a moment, while the whiskey and tobacco 
were being shared; but that moment was enough to 
enable them to settle on their plans ; for one or two 
21 


808 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


adroit questions to the soldiers had revealed the fact that 
we were prisoners, captured as spies, and about to be exe- 
cuted as such. 

As bold as impudence could make them, the ijolonel 
and John presented themselves to the commander of the 
company. 

“ Who are you? *’ the latter asked. 

I am Colonel Rhett, of Virgiuia/’ the white-headed 
old wretch answered. I perceive that I am speaking to 
a gentleman of the rank of captain. I am happy to meet 
you, sir. I was at the battle of Bull Run, sir ; and I am 
proud to say that I did my whole duty on that glorious 
day. Gods ! how we made the Yankees take to their 
heels ! I laughed until I cried at the panic.” 

“I should like to have been there,” the captain re- 
marked. “ But I was at Sumter.” 

“ Another great triumph for our arms, sir. We struck 
for liberty the day the Yankee flag was lowered from that 
fort. I should have been pleased, sir, to have lent my aid 
on that occasion. But it was impossible. Virginia did 
not lead this time, but left it to a more noble state. South 
Carolina, to reap all the laurels.” 

“ Who is your companion ? ” asked the captain, pointing 
to John, and seemingly anxious to cut short such a torrent 
of compliments. 

“A slave belonging to a Georgia lady, a Mrs. Gowen.” 

“ The wife of a cotton agent ? ” 

“ The same.” 

“lam acquainted with her and her husband ; but I 
thought they both were at Nassau.” 

“ Her husband is, but the lady is in Charleston. She 
arrived only a few days since in a blockade-runner. I 
have the honor to rank as one of her friends.” 

The colonel raised his hat, as though he could never 
BulEflciently honor the lady for allowing him such claims. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 809 

“ If Mrs. Gowen has a particle of friendship for you, it 
is a sufficient guarantee of your honesty and respectability,” 
the captain remarked. “ I know her peculiar fastidious* 
ness, and her zeal for the cause.’’ 

The colonel rubbed his hands, and bowed, while the 
soldier was speaking. 

“ The slave, having nothing to do, is permitted to act 
as my groom,” Colonel Rhett added, in explanation of 
John’s presence. “Mrs. Gowen loans him to me to ride 
out in my company, on account of my health being so 
poor.” 

“ This person,” said the captain, pointing to me, “ inti- 
mated that you can prove him loyal to the South. Can 
you do so ? ” 

“ O de Lord ! just t’ink ob dat, massa colonel I ” cried 
the mulatto John, suddenly assuming the tone and man- 
ner of a happy but rather ignorant negro ; and then the 
fellow roared with laughter. 

“Silence, John,” thundered the colonel, with all the 
fierceness that so well becomes a military man. “ How 
dare you, John?” 

“ O de Lord I but I couldn’t help it, massa colonel, 
when I t’ink ob dat man sayin’ dat he is ob de South.” 

“ Well, well,” remarked the colonel, somewhat mollified ; 
“ don’t be too forward, even if Mrs. Gowen does pet you 
too much. Recollect in whose presence you stand.” And 
the Virginian pointed to the captain. 

“ Yes, sah ; I’ll remember ’em well.” 

But still the slave giggled and grinned as though he 
had discovered a magnificent joke. 

“Do you know this person? ” asked the captain, point- 
ing to me. 

The colonel took another look, and then shook his old 
addled head, as though he was dodging balls at BuU Run. 

‘^01 don’t massa colonel know ’em well I dat am a 
fact.” ejaculated the slave 


810 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Aod he once more chuckled in a quiet manner. 

“ John,” mildly remarked the colonel, “ won’t yon be 
quiet? ” 

“ Yes, sah ; I’m dumb as a turtle, sure.” 

“ As John says,” continued the colonel, in a benevolent 
tone, “ I do know the man, and it pains me to add that I 
don’t know much good of him. A more precious rascal 
does not exist on the face of the earth.” 

“ Dat’s so,” muttered John, as though to clinch the 
assertion. 

I did not answer them, but still smoked my cigar, 
and listened to the comments of two of the most lying 
scoundrels in South Carolina. I saw that they were de- 
termined to make an end of me, if such a thing was pos- 
sible ; and all that I had to hope for was, that they would 
contradict themselves, and thus give me a chance. 

“ What do you think of your witnesses at the present 
time ? ” asked the captain, turning to me with a peculiar 
smile. 

“ O, I’m not in the least surprised at what they say i 
you know that I told you I was uncertain how they would 
testify.” 

“ I’ll be bound the fellow invented some cock-and-bull 
story respecting us,” the colonel remarked. 

“ No ; he merely said that both of you could help him 
if you desired, but that he had some doubts on the sub- 
ject.” 

“ Is that all ? ” and the colonel’s face looked the relief 
he felt. 

“ Wal, dat is a wonder, sure,” John had the pleasure 
to utter. 

“ But he told me some other things which rather sur- 
prised me,” the captain said ; and then related my yarn 
as to how I was trapped by the negroes, and kept a 
prisoner. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


811 


“ I hope, for the honor of your profession, that you will 
not believe such an improbable story,” Colonel Rhett 
cried, in a scornful tone. 

“ De niggers ob South Carlina is faithful to de pal- 
metto tree. Dey be faithful to de last,” the mulatto said, 
in a confident manner. “ I knows dey ” 

“We are all glad to hear it, John,” the colonel re- 
marked in a tone that he meant to be patronizing. “We 
have done enough for the people of your color to make 
them fast friends.” 

“ Dat you has, colonel, and we is grateful for it, all 
ob us.” 

“ I don’t see but that I must hang you three gentle- 
men, much as I dislike the job,” the captain said, turning 
to me and my two. companions. 

“ On what charge ? ” asked the colonel and mulatto in 
an eager tone. 

“ As spies.” 

Rhett and John seemed a little astonished, and the ras- 
cals looked at each other as though they could hardly 
believe their ears. 

“ As spies ? ” they muttered. 

“ Yes ; Yankee spies.” 

“ If that’s what they are, jerk ’em up. I reckon they 
deserve it. I don’t have any sympathy for a man who 
serves his country in that way.” 

“ Hang ’em, sah, as quick as you can,” the mulatto 
cried, taking his cue from the colonel. 

“ But I want a little more proof,” the soldier main- 
tained. 

“ Proof, sir ! you have ample proof,” Colonel Rhett 
cried in an eager tone. 

“I don’t see it just yet;” and the captain, who was 
rather a good-natured, humane fellow, looked his per- 
plexity. 

11 


812 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ You want more proof — do you ? ” demanded the colo- 
nel in an eager tone. “ I didn’t intend to say one word 
about it, but will on account of the position in which you 
are placed. It is painful to my feelings to thus speak, but 
justice to my country prompts me. That man ” — and the 
colonel pointed his long, bony finger at me — “I met at 
Nassau. He lived for some weeks in the same hotel with 
myself and daughter. We went to Nassau in the same 
steamer. On the sea or on the shore I never knew him 
to be regarded in any other light than that of a Vandal 
rascally Yankee spy. As such, he was shunned and 
despised.” 

“ I knows dat,” John said, with a grave shake of his 
head ; “ ’cos one day, master, he pint to dis feller, and 
say, ‘ John, dat one of dem cheap white trash dat lib 
Norf. He spyin’ round here in hope of pickin’ up some 
news ; but de Southern peoples all know him, and I tink 
he no get much here.’ ” 

“ And the other two — do you know aught of them ? ” 
the captain asked, pointing to Harry and the petty officer 
Barnes. 

The colonel hastened to speak. He probably knew that 
Mr. Reefpoint and Barnes were on a mission regarding 
me, so considered that he was in duty bound to save them 
if such a thing were possible. For this purpose he took a 
long and careful look at both faces, and then rendered his 
judgment to the captain. 

“ These young men I’ve seen in Alderny & Co.’s store, 
at Nassau, and they were pointed out to me as blockade- 
runners, and successful ones at that. I’ll stake my life 
that they are all right.” 

“Sergeant, remove them, and keep them in custody 
for the present,” commanded the captain ; and off Harry 
and Barnes were marched, not being allowed to exchange 
a word with me. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


81 S 


“You have done one good thing in saving the lives of 
those men,” I said, addressing the colonel. “ Now tell 
the truth about myself, and you will fare better for it.” 

“ I have told the truth, young man,” the colonel re- 
marked in a tone of great severity. “ I wish that you 
were as Christian-like and sincere as myself.” 

“ I don’t see but that I must hang you,” the captain 
cried. “ It’s hard, I know ; but still I must do it. You 
won’t mind it after all is over. In fact, I rather think 
you will like it.” 

“ You’re a pretty good fellow, even if you do want to 
hang me,” I said. “ Now just take my advice, and carry 
me to Charleston, and you’ll see how I’ll turn the tables 
on these fellows, and what a laugh we’ll have at their 
expense.” 

The captain shook his head. 

“ I wish I could, but my orders are imperative.” 

I had no time to utter more, for some of the soldiers 
approached me, in obedience to a signal, and laid their 
hands on my shoulder. 

“ Come,” they said ; “ the rope is ready, and awaits 
you.” 

“ Is there no hope ? ” I asked, and once more turned to 
the captain ; but the soldiers had faced to the right, so 
that the captain could not hear my appeal. 

I was about to walk towards the tree where the ropes 
were suspended, when I caught the sound of horses’ hoofs 
on the road that led to Charleston. 

The soldiers who were conducting me halted for a 
moment on hearing the noise, and receiving no sign from 
their captain, remained in a stationary position. 

“ On with him I ” cried the colonel, fearful that some- 
thing would happen so that his vengeance could not be 
satisfied. “ To the tree ! to the rope I ” 

“ We take orders only from our captain,” a corporal 
replied. 


814 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


By this time, some twenty-five horsemen appeared in 
sight, clad in the gray uniforms of the Confederacy. But 
there was one man who rode a powerful animal, and who 
led the advance, plying whip and spur ; and he, I noticed, 
was not in uniform, nor did he wear any of the emblems 
of military life. A slouched hat concealed his face, and 
there was no way by which I could distinguish it ; yet my 
hopes arose when I thought that it might be the Ken- 
tuckian leading a party of soldiers to the house in the hope 
of effecting my release. 

“ Whom have we here ? ” muttered the captain. “ They 
ride as though blooded stock was abundant, and oats 
cheap, in the Southern Confederacy.” 

“ Can’t you string him up before they reach here ? ” 

The colonel betrayed such intense eagerness in this 
inquiry, that the captain replied, — 

“ Do you want the show all to yourself, that you are in 
such a hurry ? If we must hang, let the others have a 
chance.” 

“ Whoop I ” shouted the man who rode in advance of 
the cavalcade. “ Wake, snakes, and give ’em ginger I ” 

Then off went his hat ; and to my joy, I saw the rough, 
dark, stern face of Bowmount, for it was now daylight. 

“ This is very unmilitary,” muttered the captain ; “ but 
what can you expect from the cavalry as a body where 
every private owns the horse that he rides ? Of course all 
discipline is lost. The infantry is the arm for service, 
after all the talk.” 

While the captain was thus consoling himself, the Ken- 
tuckian was uttering any number of Indian war-whoops ; 
but whether from the effects of joy or whiskey, I could 
not tell. However, one thing I noticed — that my two 
particular friends. Colonel Rhett and John, manifest- 
ed symptoms of uneasiness at the approach of the Ken- 
tuckian ; and by the manner in which they glanced over 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 816 

their shoulders, I judged that they wanted to retreat be- 
fore all communications were cut off. 

“ Don’t let those fellows escape,” I said to the captain, 
the instant I m/ticed they were disposed to edge away. 
“We will now prove who is right, and who is wrong.” 

“Sergeant,” said the captain, “keep your eye on those 
men, and don’t let them leave the grounds until I order 
their release. Colonel,” he continued, addressing the 
Virginian, “ I am astonished that you should wish to take 
up your line of march just at this time, when proof of 
your assertions is so near at hand. Now we can have a 
full and fair hearing ; for I see that General Rampage is 
at the head of the cavalry. He isn’t a man to be tri- 
fled with, and can sift truth from falsehood, as well as the 
smartest city judge.” 

I saw a look of terror and dismay on the faces of Colo- 
nel Rhett and the mulatto. Then the cavalry checked 
their horses, and the men dismounted. 

The Kentuckian threw his reins to a corporal as he 
touched the ground, and then came running towards me, 
his arms widely extended, and his face expressing joy and 
several large doses of whiskey. 

“Shucks I man alive, what are you doing here?” 
roared the Kentuckian, throwing his stout, muscular arms 
around me, and hugging me like a gorilla. “ Hang it ! 
why ain’t you in the house, in the cell, all locked up, keep- 
in’ toads and other varmints company, not to speak of 
the groaning woman, what is never easy unless at it hard ? 
Speak — can’t you? How did you get out? Hang me 
ef I ain’t glad to see you, and no mistake I ” 

It was impossible to answer all these questions, much 
as Bowmount would have liked me to do so. I only 
hugged him in return, and swore that I was never so glad 
to see a man in all my life. 

But, while I was thus assuring my friend of my affec- 


816 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


tion and joy, the Kentuckian’s eyes were at work, and 
fell on the military captain. A smile passed over Bow- 
mount’s face as he advanced towards the soldier with out- 
stretched hand. 

“ Shucks, captain,” cried the Kentuckian, “ but I’m 
jolly glad to see you, dog on me if I ain’t, and no mistake. 
I ain’t seen yer since we was in Tennessee together, a 
cuttin’ up the Yanks’ supplies.” 

The two shook hands in the heartiest manner, as though 
they were old comrades, as indeed they were ; for when 
Bowmount commanded a regiment of wild Kentuckians, 
all mounted on blood horses owned by their riders, the 
captain was a lieutenant in the same body of men, and 
had received some favors at the hands of the colonel, es- 
tablishing a lasting friendship between the two. 

Just at this moment Bowmount’s eyes fell upon Colo- 
nel Rhett and the slave. 

“ Hollo ! ” he said, with no friendly glare ; “ how does 
it happen that you are here ? Shucks I I was in hopes 
that I should never see your two faces again. Dog on me 
if I ain’t tired of ’em. 

“ Do you know the colonel and the slave ? ” asked the 
captain, who was so ambitious to hang me a moment 
before. 

“ Well, I reckon I do know ’em.” 

“ Then your arrival is most opportune, for you can teD 
me which party is worthy of the most confidence.” 

“ Why, haven’t you found out yet ? ” 

“No.” 

“ Well, dog on me if that ain’t good,” roared the Ken- 
tuckian. “ Why, a man what has been two minutes in 
the company of ’em couldn’t help noting who told the 
truth, and who told lies.” 

“ That there has been lying I am ready to admit,” the 
oaptain remarked ; “ but I want to know who tells the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


817 


lies. I have arrested your friend as a spy ; and, by 
George, I was about to hang him as a spy when you 
came up,” 

“ Hang him I Spy ! ” roared the Kentuckian. “ Tf vou 
had, there’d been murder committed in this state afore 
long, now I tell you.” 

“ There is no occasion for excitement on this sul)- 
ject,” the captain remarked in a quiet tone, as though 
he knew the Kentuckian’s temper and peculiarities. 
“ Well talk it over in a quiet manner, so that justice 
shall be done.” 

“ That’s all we want. Rampage, you’ll see justice done 
here won’t you ? ” 

“ That’s what I came for,” was the general’s answer. 

“ Now,” continued the captain, pointing to me, “ tell 
us who that person is.” 

“ Why, he commanded my blockade-runner, the Belle. 
Shucks I but you should have seen him rush her past the 
fleet, and talk right pert with the admiral, just as cool as 
a cobbler well supplied with ice.” 

“ And you can vouch for his loyalty to the South ? ” 

“ Shucks I a man what does that don’t need no vouch- 
ing for — does he, Rampage ? ” 

The general thought that it was good evidence of pa- 
triotism. 

“ You have never seen anything to make you believe 
he’s a Yankee spy ? ” continued the captain. 

“Known him for months, and never heard such a 
thing,” was the prompt answer. 

“ So far, so good,” nodded the captain. “ Now, do you 
know of his being trapped by a party of negroes ? ” 

“ I reckon. Shucks I dog on me ! but wan’t I took 
the same way, and put in a pen not fit for a hog ? ” 

‘ ‘ This grows interesting,” remarked the can tain. “ Who 
trapped you ? Can you point out the parties r 


818 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Well, I reckon. Do you see that light-colored nigger, 
what is getting a little shaky in the kneepans ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“Well, he’s one of ’em.” 

“ Do you mean it ? Mrs. Go wen’s slave engaged in 
such business as kidnapping ? ” 

“ Sartin. He’s a rascal.” 

“ A what? ” 

“ Rascal. I reckon I know him by this time.” 

“ But how does it happen that you escaped from the 
slaves’ clutches? ” 

“ Well, you know jails never held me a great while ; 
and when I found myself in a pen, jist set to work to 
git out. I did escape, but I couldn’t take my friend with 
me ; but I promised to return for him as soon as I could, 
and here I am, with half a company of dragoons to back 
me. 

“ You see, captain, that my story holds good,” I re- 
marked. 

“ I see it does, and feel ashamed that I did not rely 
upon your word. What interest could those men have in 
telling such a falsehood ? ” 

“ Ask them, and see.” 

“ Colonel Rhett,” the captain remarked, “you and the 
slave are in a bad position. You have made false state- 
ments. Can you explain matters ? You have a chance to 
do so.” 

The Virginian did not want for a lie. He stepped for- 
ward, as bold apparently as ever, and commenced his de- 
fence. 

“ There’s some mistake here,” he said, “ and I’m glad 
it’s rectified in time to prevent bad consequences. We 
certainly were led to believe that Captain Barnwell was a 
notorious Yankee spy. Acting under that impression, 
John concluded that it would be a good thing to cut short 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


his career. So he imprisoned him, and attempted to obtain 
all his secrets, under the impression that he could seJ 
them to the Confederacy, — not for money, but renown, 
— and to show that the slaves of the South are for tiie 
South. If he has made a mistake, I suppose that he is 
sorry for it.” 

The treacherous old scamp was attempting to screer 
himself at the expense of the slave. He did not care 
what punishment was inflicted upon John, if his own 
neck escaped. 

The Kentuckian had listened to the whole yarn with 
but few expressions of impatience ; but I saw by his eyes 
that he was getting enraged very fast, and when he 
roared out an oath and several ejaculations, I was not 
surprised. 

“ You miserable specimen of a Bull Runner ! ” he yelled 
to the terrified colonel ; “ you remnant of the first fami- 
lies of Virginia ! you cringing dog, you lying colonel, 
what do you mean by tellin’ sich yarns as that for, when 
you know that I was took in the same way that Barn- 
well was, and locked up next to him, like a sojer arter a 
drunk ? Answer me that, you miserable specimen of an- 
other age. How dare you lie so in the presence of a gen- 
tleman like myself? ” 

The unfortunate colonel seemed to have forgotten that 
the Kentuckian had been treated the same way as myself ; 
so, for a moment he seemed overwhelmed at the evidence 
of his rascality ; but he rallied, and once more attempt- 
ed to throw the blame upon the slave, who as yet had not 
uttered a word in his own defence. 

“ As for Mr. Bowmount’s detention, I know nothing 
about it. If he was trapped, it was done by John for 
some purpose that was unknown to me. I am sorry the*: 
he should have been put to such inconvenience, and I am 
astonished that John should have interfered in the move* 


820 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


ments of so valiant a defender of the South, mwi 1 
known that Mr. Bowmoiint was a prisoner, no one would 
have aided him quicker than myself.'’ 

The mulatto stood and heard all this, sullen, and with 
his eyes cast to the ground. The white man, with his 
oily tongue, smooth words, his plausible stories, was cast- 
ing all the blame upon the slave, and, to all appearances, 
was believed as implicitly as though in a court of justice, 
and sworn upon a Bible. 

But the Kentuckian, while he listened with patience, 
did not credit all that was said ; and when the Virginian 
had ceased speaking, he sprang forward, caught Rhett by 
his throat, and then slapped his face several times with 
his open palm, while, at the same time, he shook the old 
fellow until his teeth chattered in his head, and his hair 
promised to take its departure from the scalp, and fly 
away in the direction of Fort Sumter. 

“ You blamed old scoundrel ! ” shouted the irate Ken- 
tuckian, “ don’t I know you, and your tricks and excuses? 
Didn’t you try to have me captured by the blockading 
fleet ? Didn’t you swing lanterns, and be hanged to you ? 
You’re a sweet one. Shucks ! I’m almost minded to break 
your neck.” 

“ Blast him,” said General Rampage. “ If he has con- 
ducted in the manner you state, why not hang him as an 
enemy of the South? ” 

“That’s it. Up with him to the very tree that thev 
intended to devote to Barnwell. The rope is all ready. 
You shall swing for it, you false-hearted, lying villain.” 

The gallant colonel showed more spirit than I had an- 
ticipated ; for he did not commence begging for mercy, 
but appeared to meditate upon the difficulties of his posi- 
tion, as though he were asking himself if all hope ana 
expedients were gone. Once or twice he glanced towards 
the mulatto ; but the latter did not return the look, 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


321 


appear in the best of spirits. No doubt he was thinking 
of the baseness of the colonel, and wondered why the 
man had not possessed a little more honor, even if it had 
to be shown at the expense of a slave. 

At last the Bull Runner turned to me, as though he 
knew I was the most tender-hearted man in the crowd, 
and would be more likely to befriend him than any other 
man present. 

“ Captain,” he said, with an assumption of frankness 
that was quite refreshing after his late conduct, “ if I have 
seemed harsh, you must pardon me, for I have only the 
good of my country at heart. Now that my eyes are 
open — ” 

“ By the Lord Harry ! if he ain’t as cool as the Mam- 
moth Cave of Old Kaintuck,” muttered Bowmount. 
“ Hang me, what is the fellow made of — ice or stone ? ” 

For the first time, John cast a look of scorn at his com- 
panion. He appeared to feel that the colonel was making 
desperate efforts to save his own life at the expense of 
somebody’s else, and he thought it mean to thus shirk the 
responsibility. 

“ Will you, gentlemen, hear me for a moment ? ” asked 
John, after he looked his scorn at the colonel. 

“ Say what you has to say, and be done with it in quick 
time,” the Kentuckian remarked. “We can’t wait all 
day, when we know breakfast is ready.” 

“I have but few words 'to utter, and those shall be 
true,” John remarked. “I was engaged in trapping 
these two white men, and I did so because I thought that 
both of them had injured me. Other people helped me, 
and encouraged me ; but you may tear my heart out, 
black as it is, and I will not give you the names of the 
parties, or blame my companion, now that I have been de- 
tected.” 

“ Quite right and proper,” the Virginian muttered, 


m 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


with an approving nod of his head. White men first, the 
world over.” 

There was something rather noble in the mulatto’s 
character, after all. Had I desired his instant destruc- 
tion at that time, it would only have been necessary for 
me to repeat his confession, and in ten minutes he would 
have been dangling from the limb of a tree. But I was 
too good a Unionist to wish the destruction of a man who 
was likely to serve the North, even if he had played me 
some tough tricks while laboring under the natural im- 
pression that I was a very determined and active rebel. 

“We havo stumbled on some kind of a nest,” General 
Rampage said, after a moment’s pause, and one that 
seemed terrible to all present. “We have traitors in our 
midst, and must make short work with them, or they will 
buzz around our ears like hornets. Up with both fellows 
at once.” 

“ A just decision. Lay hold of them, men. Be lively, 
for I’m in a hurry to get my breakfast.” 

The soldiers, in obedience to the order of the captain, 
came forward, and laid their hands on the two prisoners, 
and commenced dragging them towards the tree, from 
which dangled the ropes that were intended for myself 
and party. 

“ Look here,” cried the colonel, with a slight struggle ; 
“this isn’t the thing, you know. I’m a defender of the 
South, and loyal to the back-bone. You will suffer for 
this outrage.” 

“ Not near as much as you will,” answered the Ken- 
tuckian. “ Swing lanterns, will you ? ” 

As to John, the mulatto, he said not a word, and re- 
quired but little urging. He seemed to think that, as his 
companion was to be treated the same as himself, it was 
not worth while to make a fuss. 

I did not think that the two men deserved death, even 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


^28 


m- 


if they had treated me in an outrageous manner, while 
laboring under the impression that I was la zealous rebel. 
I wanted to save them, but how to do so I could not 
imagine, until I happened to glance at General Rampage’s 
face, and thought that there I saw tokens of pity. 

CHAPTER X. 

A PLEA FOR MERCY — A FLOGGING FOR HANGING. — 
ON THE BELLE. — A CAROUSE. — HARRY UNDERTAKES 
AN EXPEDITION. — THE CHARLESTON IRON-CLADS. — 
I SEE SOME OLD FRIENDS, AND AM SURPRISED AT 
MEETING THEM. — HARRY AND HIS UNCLE. — VALUA- 
BLE PAPERS, AND WHAT I DID WITH THEM. — SAM IS 
PENITENT. 

“ General,” I said, approaching him, “ do not let 
them hang those two fellows. They have hardly earned 
such a fate.” 

“ Can you forgive their treatment of you ? ” demanded 
the general in a cold tone, and with a searching look. 

“ No ; I can’t forgive : but still I don’t demand the ex- 
treme penalty for such conduct. Let them be tried before 
a regular court, which will decide their fate.” 

“ A waste of time and money. I’m satisfied that the 
scamps aie spies. Their fate is death ; still I don’t know 
b it that — ” 

“You will save them ; but you must be quick about it, 
for the soldiers are putting the ropes around their necks.” 

“ That John is a sprightly nigger, but rather pert,” 
said the general, in a musing tone. 

“ Yes ; he is all that,” I cried, in an eager tone. 

22 


324 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


He might be made to do right, I should think,*’ con- 
tinued the general. 

“ I have no doubt of it. But you see, general, that 
the ropes — ** 

“Ah, yes; I see. Bowmount, hadn’t we better save 
that nigger’s life ? He represents so ‘much capital, you 
know.” 

“ He’s worth two thousand dollars, il he’s worth a dol- 
lar, ” replied the matter-of-fact Kentuckian. 

“ Then don’t hang him. Give him a good thrashing, 
and put him in jail. The court will order him to be sold, 
and I can buy him for a trifle.” 

“ What do you say to that, Barnwell ? ” asked Bow- 
mount. 

“ I’m willing. I think that it is the best course you 
could pursue. But you must treat Colonel Rhett in the 
same manner.” 

The Kentuckian would not agree to that for a minute 
or two, but consented just in time to save the old hum- 
bug’s neck, much to my gratification, and his own, I have 
no doubt. 

“ Look ’e here, you rascals,” Bowmount said ; “ you’re 
indebted to Barnwell for your lives, and to me for a 
thrashiu’. Tie ’em up, men, and give ’em a dozen apiece, 
and then lodge ’em in jail. We’U let the courts take 
care of ’em.” 

“You will carry out the orders,” the general said, 
turning to the captain, “ and then join us on board the 
Belle, where we are to have breakfast.” 

“ But what shall I do with the two sailors who were 
captured with our friend ? ” asked the captain. 

The general and the Kentuckian did not know what he 
meant. They had not seen Reefpoint and his companion, 
who w^ere to convoy me to the United States ship. 

“ O,” I said, in a careless tone, “ two of my men left 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


325 


their ship and wandered off on a spree, pretending that 
they were searching for me. They are 6f no account. 
Send theUi back to their ship, or let them have their blow 
out, and then I’ll warrant that they’ll return to the 
Belle.” 

“Let me see the scamps,” the owner of the Belle 
cried. “ I don’t object to a man getting drunk ; but, 
hang it, he has no business to leave his ship without per- 
mission.” 

I felt some anxiety for the result, as Bowmount had 
an eye like a hawk, and could see as far as most men. If 
he had ever noticed the crew of the Belle, he would know 
that Mr. Reefpoint and companion were strangers, and 
that I had deceived him ; but if he had not paid much 
attention to the men, I had no fear but that the midship- 
man and petty officer would give a good account of them- 
selves. 

At any rate, while the soldiers were occupied in strip- 
ping the clothes from the back of that old scamp who 
called himself Colonel Rhett, and the mulatto John, we 
went to the place where Mr. Reefpoint and companion 
were guarded by half a dozen soldiers to prevent their 
leaving until permitted. 

As we approached the lad, he took a pipe from his 
mouth, and touched his slouched hat in true English 
sailor style, frank and hearty as one could desire. Bow- 
mount looked the two over with a sharp eye. 

“ You belong to the Belle — do you ? ” he demwided. 

“ Yes, sir,” both answered. 

“ What are you doing here ? Don’t you know enough 
to get drunk and keep on board ? ” 

“ No, sir ; ” and there was another salute. 

“ Where do you belong ? North or South ? ” 

“ We is Hinglish, sir,” replied Harry, with a genuine 
John Bull twang. 


S26 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ And mighty willing to make an honest penny by 
blockade-running, like all Englishmen. I recollect your 
faces now. Do you keep sober for the rest of the day, 
and come on board at night. I hate drunkenness in man 
or boy.” 

An hour later we entered Charleston, and steered for 
the steamer, where all the oJB&cers of the party were to 
eat breakfast at the invitation of the Kentuckian, the 
owner of the vessel, whose liberality was not restrained 
by any considerations of dollars and cents ; for when he 
opened his heart, he opened his hand at the same time. 

Breakfast awaited us ; and glad enough most of the 
party were when they saw it on the table. I had an op- 
portunity to slip into my state-room while the military 
were brushing the dust from their clothes, change my 
dress, and remove some of the stains from my hands and 
face, contracted while lying in the cell at the haunted 
house. 

The breakfast was protracted till past the dinner hour. 
The military drank fill their faces flushed with the pota- 
tions which they swallowed. They toasted each other, 
the cause which they served, their chiefs, and made such 
bombastic speeches, that one would have thought the 
North exhausted, and that the South was merely on a 
little frolic that would end in the course of a day or two. 

All this I had to listen to ; and by keeping sober I ob- 
tained much valuable information ; so much, in fact, that 
when I saw Mr. Welles, the secretary of the navy, and 
laid my whole history before him, he smiled in a benign 
manner, at the same time remarking that I had done 
enough for the Union cause, but could not excuse the 
course I had deemed it best to pursue. 

The fun and drinking waxed fast and furious. Bowls 
of punch were brought in and emptied, champagne was 
opened, whiskey was mixed with the rest of the liquors, 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


827 


and just as General Rampage declared that he would sing 
a song for the entertainment of the company, the steward 
whispered to me that two sailors were on the dock, and 
wished to see me for a moment. 

I slipped from the cabin, no notice being taken of my 
disappearance, and saw, as I expected, Mr. Reefpoint and 
his companion, Barnes, the petty officer, on the dock, in 
charge of a squad of confederate soldierg, 

“ Hollo I what are you doing with my men? ” I asked 
the sergeant who commanded the squad. 

“Are they your men?” demanded the non-commis- 
sioned officer. “ They say that they are, and I have come 
to find out about it. I reckon we want the blue-jackets 
on our iron-dads in case they don’t belong to you. We 
are short of sailors, and I have orders to pick up all that 
I can find in the streets, so that they can serve the Con- 
federacy on the water while we fight on the land.” 

Harry and his companion made a motion as though to 
leave the dock for the deck of the vessel ; but the non- 
commissioned officer, who was a sharp fellow, and had 
served a few years in an attorney’s office, restrained them, 
saying, as he did so, — 

“ Gently, my friends. We need them so much that we 
must have positive proof that all stragglers belong to the 
vessel which claims them. Let me see your crew-list, and 
then all doubts are settled.” 

“ How much do you get for delivering sailors to the 
captains of ii’on-clads ? ” I asked. 

“ Well, sir, I reckon I may as well be frank with you as 
not. We are paid twenty dollars per man.” 

“ A small sum, considering the scarcity of the material. 
But I’ll tell you what I am prepared to do. The men are 
mine ; yet I shall not pay for them, neither shall I show 
you the crew-list.” 

“ Then we must keep them,” replied the sergeant. 


828 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Just as you please. Unless the men are returned to 
me by to-morrow, I shall seek them, and with authority 
to take them.” 

“ All right, sir. I do my duty, and you do yours. 
Right about face. March.” 

The squad and the sailors trotted up the, dock ; and 
when I saw them under way, I had more than half re- 
solved to recall them, and fee the soldiers for the sake of 
saving the two Union officers, and would have done so 
had I not been prevented by Harry’s positive assurance, 
as far as signs were concerned, that he wanted to see the 
interior of one of the iron-dads which had just been com- 
pleted, and with which the rebels threatened to clean out 
the Federal ships at some period not very remote. 

I had not thought of the subject, and should not have 
dared mention such an expedition to the midshipman, 
fearful of the results. But, while standing on the dock, 
the project had suddenly entered Harry’s head, and he 
had signalized me that he would see one of the iron-clads, 
and that I must permit him to do so, as he was resolved 
to undertake the expedition at all hazards. 

In the mean time the drinking in the cabin went on fast 
and furious. I could hear Bowmount’s voice, loud above 
the rest, while attempting an argument on some military 
point ; but as yet he had kept his temper, although he had 
been opposed on several occasions, and some of his asser- 
tions flatly contradicted. Expecting an outbreak every 
moment, I thought that I would remain on deck, and let 
the parties wrangle to their hearts’ content ; and just as I 
had arrived at this conclusion, and lighted a cigar. General 
Rampage came out of the cabin, his face flushed and 
heated, and his whole appearance indicating an intense 
devotion to the bottle. 

His coat was off, his neck-handkerchief removed, and 
the vest unbuttoned from bottom to top. In fact, the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE- 


829 


generars appearance did not indicate the great disciplina- 
rian, the man who would punish a soldier for a trifliner 
fault. 

He attempted to light his cigar by the aid of mine, but 
did not accomplish the difficult feat on account of the un- 
steadiness of his nerves. 

“ You needn’t think I’m drunk,” he said, in a severe 
tone, looking up with a scowl. 

“ I have no such thoughts,” I replied, in a tone of great 
conciliation. 

“ Do you think I’m drunk, sir? ” 

“ I’U prove to you that I don’t think so, by asking a 
favor,” I replied. 

“ It’s granted, sir. Name it, and you’U see that Gen- 
eral Rampage can be generous as well as just. Do you 
want half my fortune ? Take it and be happy.” 

“I don’t want half your fortune; but I do want a 
favor.” 

“ Good. It is granted without delay. Just mention 
what it is, and you have it.” 

“ Some of your soldiers,” I said, “ have picked up two 
of my sailors, and carried them to one of your iron-clads, 
just l3ecause I would not pay a certain sum for their re- 
lease. I want you to exert your great influence, and have 
them restored to me.” 

“ I’ll do it. Give me a paper and ink, and I’ll write an 
order to Captain Maulhead of the Palmetto. That will 
bring them, I reckon. I can write, although you may 
think that I can’t.” 

“ I know you can,” I remarked. 

And then I called the steward to bring me writing mate- 
rials ; and as soon as they were brought, the general stared 
at them as though he did not comprehend what they were 
intended for. 

‘‘ Eh I what do you want ? ” he asked. 


830 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ The order for the release of the two sailors.” 

“ Yes ; but perhaps you think me drunk ; bo drunk that 
I ean’t write.” 

“ No ; because you can prove to me that such is not the 
case. Just write the order, and that will set all suspicions 
to rest, even if I had any.” 

“ So it will.” 

And down sat the general, spread the paper on a chick* 
en-coop, frowned savagely, nodded his head several times 
in a sage and sagacious manner, then closed his eyes, and 
attempted to go to sleep. 

“ The order, general,” I said, and touched him on thu 
elbow. 

He looked up in a gloomy manner, and then mut- 
tered, — 

“ You appreciate me, but the government don’t. What 
can I do for you ? ” 

“ Write the order.” 

“ Do you think I can’t write it ? ” 

“ I shall believe it when you do write it ; but not 
before.” 

He looked furious for a moment, and then commenced 
writing, much more carefully than I had anticipated. It 
took him some time ; but at last I had the satisfaction of 
seeing the work completed, and receiving the note in my 
own hands. 

“ There,” said the general, with a sigh of relief, “ I’ve 
done it. I’m not as drunk as I have been ; but I’m drunk 
enough. Old Maulhead. is a friend of mine, and I don’t 
think he’ll refuse my request. If he does, I’ll blow him 
and his useless iron-clads to the deuce; and you may tell 
him so if you have a mind.” 

The general attempted to rise ; but his legs refused to 
do their duty. When he found that he could not stand 
up, he frowned, folded his arms, and informed me that he 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


331 


bad no idea of getting drunk; that he \^as not drunk, 
and would shoot any man that said he was ; after which, 
he laid down his head, and went to sleep. 

Tn the course of an hour or more, the fun in the cabin 
began to decrease. I heard Bowmount’s voice grow less 
and less boisterous, the shouts of his companions less wild , 
the toasts were no longer audible, and only by the occa- 
sional smash of a drinking-glass did the carousers indicate 
that they were trying to keep awake. 

At length all was silent. I entered the cabin, and a 
wonderful sight met my eyes. The Kentuckian was 
stripped to his shirt and trousers, lying on the transom, 
his head pillowed by two champagne bottles; his com- 
panions, the military gentlemen, w^e spread all over the 
cabin floor; some of them with half-emptied bottles by 
their sides, and others still grasping wine-glasses, showing 
that drinking was their last conscious act. 

I called the steward and some of the men, and had the 
unconscious inebriates stripped of their gray coats, and 
then stowed the fellows in state-room berths, where they 
could sleep off their intoxication without the fear of being 
seen or disturbed. 

General Rampage was next removed from the deck, 
where he was sleeping, the object of considerable remark 
from a large number of idle negroes. 

The next day we commenced discharging cargo, and in 
the afternoon I recollected that I had promised Harry 
Bluff, alias Midshipman Reefpoint, to obtain his release 
from the iron-clads commanded by Captain Maulhead. 

Leaving the mate to look after the goods as they came 
from the ship’s hold, I dressed, and started in search of 
the man who was always promising to blow the Yankee 
fleet out of the water, and yet did not dare venture be- 
yond the protecting guns of Fort Sumter, for the simple 
reason that he feared his own vessel would follow the 
course which he promised his enemies should take. 


532 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


It was not difficult to find Captain Maulhead and his 
fleet. Most of the iron-clads were alongside of the dock, 
undergoing repairs. In fact, they were always being re- 
paired. If they steamed out of the harbor a mile or two, 
some part of their machinery was sure to break or give 
out, and a river steamer had to be sent to tow the un- 
wieldy monsters back to a secure resting-place. 

Then the Charleston ladies, who had built one of the 
most destructive looking of the fleet, giving their jewels 
and money most readily for the purpose, would hold an 
indignation meetiug, and call on Captain Maulhead to 
explain why he did not carry out his intentions of sinking 
the Yankee scum, agreeably to promise. 

Then Captain Maulhead would drink about a gallon, 
more or less, of commissary whiskey, and appear before 
the meeting to explain matters. He was a good-looking 
man, and when under the influence of liquor, quite elo- 
quent, and appeared as brave as a lion. He said that an 
apology was due to the young and handsome ladies of 
Charleston, a city that could boast of more beauty, more 
patriotism, more real American revolution courage, than 
any other city in the world. He had intended to sink the 
wWe Yankee fleet, Yankees and all, and he would yet 
do it, or sink himself to the bottom of the ocean. Had 
not the iron-clads’ shafts broken just as they did, a battle 
would have been fought, and a victory won, that would 
have electrified the world. 

Then the beautiful ladies would applaud, and the gal- 
lant captain was told to try his luck once more, which he 
did with his usual success, except once, when he sunk one 
of our steamers, and compelled a second one to run away, 
while a third surrendered at sight, but still managed to 
escape. 

Such was Captain Maulhead, whom I expected to see, 
and whose favor I was to secure. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


383 

On gaining the deck of the iron-clad Spitfire, irhich I 
was only enabled to do by representing that I had urgent 
business with Captain Maulhead, I sent my name in the 
cabin by the sentry, an^i^hen awaited the result. 

In the mean time I made good use of my eyes. I 
saw that the Spitfire was formidable in appearance only. 
She had been thrown together in the most unworkmanlike 
manner. Her bolts were not clinched, as they should have 
been, her machinery seemed to be patched up, covered 
with rust, and out of gear, while the guns which I saw 
were mounted in such a manner that they were liable to 
pitch overboard, or else kick clean across the deck, knock- 
ing down all who were in the course of the ponderous 
weapons. In a heavy sea it would have been impossible 
to operate them at any angle except at about sixty-five 
degrees, sending the charge towards the heavens, instead 
of in the direction of an enemy. 

I had just time to note the^e things, and in such a man- 
ner as to appear perfectly iadifferent, — for sharp eyes 
were on me all the time I was on board, — when the 
sentry passed the word for me to enter the august pres- 
ence of Captain Maulhead. 

I found the naval gentleman seated at a table, with a 
chart before him. In his hand he held a rule and a pair 
of compasses, and he seemed to be measuring distances, 
and pondering on the results, for did not look up when 
I entered the cabin, but muttered in an audible tone, — 

“ Five miles due west is Fort Wagner, two miles east is 
Castle Pinckney, and — ” 

He looked up, as though his calculations had been sud- 
denly interrupted by my presence. 

‘‘ Well, sir,” — and he made a note on a sheet of paper, 
what can I do for you ? ” 

“My name is Barnwell,” I said. “lam caitain of the 
blockade-runner Belle ” 


884 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

“ The deuce you are ! Hang me if I didn^t take you 
for an official from Richmond — some spy from the navy 
department. Here, steward ; clean off these maps and 
papers, and set on the whiskey ^ain. It’s a false alarm, 
after all. Captain Barnwell, take a seat.. You are wel- 
come, sir, to my hospitalities. It’s little I have to offer 
you. Not such fare and pay as you blockade-runners 
enjoy.” 

“ But the glory,” 1 remarked. “ You reap all that.” 

“ Glory be hanged I Wh«ii glory can there be in ex- 
changing shots witn the Yankee fleet, and then running 
for shelter under a sand battery ? ” 

“ But you might fight them successfully with an equal 
force,” I suggested. 

“ Fight the deuce I ” cried the captain with scorn, push- 
ing the bottle towards me. “ Look at my men, and theu 
look at the Yanks. Hang it, what can I do with such 
cattle as I have under my orders ? Half of them are sea- 
sick if I run out to Fort Sumter.” 

“I’m sorry for you, captain, and could wish you better 
luck. I drink to you.” 

“ Thank you. Now let me know what I can do for 
you.” 

“ Simply to discharge two of my men, who were picked 
up in the streets yesterday.” 

Captain Maulhead struck his fist on the table with a 
blow that made everything shake. 

“ Hang me if I didn’t suspect what you were after ; I 
did indeed. I told Green that some one would be after 
those two men, and Green bet me a bottle of whiskey 
that I couldn’t keep them.” 

“ 0, I’ll discharge the bet if you’ll discharge the men,” 
I answered, with a pleasant smile, in hopes of keeping 
the man in good humor. “ I’ve got a barrel of Scotch 
whiskey, of the true smoky flavor, on board. Send a 
demijohn, and I’U fill ilt.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


885 


“ That’s liberal on your part, and I’ll send for the 
liquor ; but, at the same time, I can’t give up the men.” 

“ Then I’ll be hanged if you can have the liquor,” I 
answered in a blunt tone ; for I suspected it was the only 
method of meeting him on equal ground. “ One good 
turn deserves another, you know.” 

“ The interests of the Confederacy won’t permit me to 
go outside of the line of my duty.” 

“ I supposed that you would view the matter in that 
light,” I remarked, lighting a cigar, and handing half a 
dozen to the captain, — a prize which he seized upon with 
avidity, — so came armed on all points. The men were 
picked up in the streets while on liberty. I could have 
had them back by paying a small sum, but it seemed such 
an imposition that I concluded to test the matter by 
appearing before you, and pleading their cause and my 
own.” 

“ If you only knew what awful hard work I have to 
get hold of the right kind of men, you would not blame 
me for keeping those two fellows — seamen every inch 
of them, and smart at that.” 

“ That is the reason I want them. Only smart men can 
run the blockade, you know.” 

“ But you see you have the pick of all the men in port. 
So much money is made by cheating the Yankee fleet, that 
the best sailors go to you.” 

“ You can’t blame them for it. It is natural. Hu- 
man nature is the same with sailors that it is with lands- 
men. 

“ I know ; but we must draw the line somewhere, or 
the confederate navy will go to the deuce in short order.” 

“ Then you won’t give them up ? ” I asked, none too 
well pleased at the captain’s firmness. 

“I don’t say that ; but I do say that I need a little 
more time to tHnk the matter over. Suppose you should 


336 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


come and see me in the course of a few days ? There is 
no hurry in such matters, you know.” 

“ Ay, but there is hurry,” I answered in a firm tone. 
“ In a few days I shall be ready to sail, and can’t leave 
my men behind.” 

The captain thought of the matter before he again 
spoke. Then he leaned forward, and whispered confiden- 
tially, 

“ To tell you the truth. Captain Barnwell, I am getting 
ready to make a raid on the enemy. I mean to strike 
them some night this week, and it will go hard with me 
if I don’t send half a dozen of the Yankee ships to the 
bottom. My plans are all laid, and can’t fail if I muster 
the right men.” 

This was the most important information I had received 
since I had been detailed for secret service. Now the 
question arose. How could I get the news to the Federal 
commanders ? They must know it, and be prepared to 
act with promptness when the rebel rams and gunboats 
stole past Fort Sumter. Unless forewarned, there was 
danger to the fleet ; for we all know that fancied security 
leads to want of proper vigilance. 

There was but one way in which I could send the de- 
sired information. That was by the Yankee middy and 
his friend and shipmate. If I could secure their release, I 
thought there would be but little trouble in getting them 
off, by the aid of a boat and a dark night. They could 
give the alarm, and then Captain Maulhead would get 
more than he bargained for. 

All these thoughts flashed through my mind, while I 
sat listening to the captain’s plans, and assisting him to 
empty his whiskey bottle. If he could have read my 
thoughts, I should never have left the cabin alive. But, 
luckily for me, he did not have the least suspicion that I 
was not what I assumed. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


337 


I was just about to produce the order that General 
Rampage had written for me, when the steward once more 
entered the cabin. 

“ Two gen’men, sar, wants to see you, sar. From Rich- 
mond, sar.” 

“ Confusion I ” muttered the captain, in an agony of 
alarm for fear the visitors were agents of the navy de- 
partment. “ Here ; sweep off the bottle and glasses. Be 
lively. On with the charts and tools, — Don’t go yet.” 

I had risen for the purpose of taking my leave, with the 
request to be allowed to call again in the course of an 
hour or two. 

“ Don’t go yet. Enter my state-room, and wait till I 
am free from the fellows, whoever they are. I’ll get rid 
of them unless they want to overhaul everything ; and if 
they do. I’ll try and put them off till to-morrow.” 

I could but obey the captain ; and as I retreated the 
Richmond gentlemen entered the cabin. 

“ Captain,” said one of the visitors, in a tone that 
sounded quite familiar, “ we have ventured to call on 
you for some information, which the navy department at 
Richmond assured us you would be willing to give.” 

“ Then you are not agents from the department ? ” 
asked the captain. 

“ No, sir ; we are simple Southern gentlemen.” 

“ I’m glad to hear it. Steward, take away these charts 
and tools, and bring on the whiskey and cigars. Gentle- 
men, I’m glad to see you. Sit down, and let me hear how 
I can serve you ; for, although lam the busiest man in 
Charleston, Heaven forbid that I should not be willing 
to give some of my time to my countrymen when they 
honor me with a call. Steward, a fresh bottle of whis- 
key.” 

“ Habn’t got a fresh bottle, nor a salt bottle either. I 
told you dat once afore, sir.” 


338 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Ah ! so you did. Well, gentlemen, we shall have to 
make the best of what we have on the table. Don’t be 
afraid of it. Whiskey never hurts any one.” 

“We hope to be able to present you with a barrel of 
the best brand to be found in the market before many 
days,” said the gentleman whose voice seemed familiar. 

“ Thank you, sir. And what must I do to deserve siic)» 
generous treatment ? for I am too much of a man of the 
world not to know that favors are returned with favors.” 

There was a momentary hesitation on the part of the 
visitors, as if they did not exactly know how to commence 
on the subject nearest their hearts. 

“ I’m all attention, gentlemen,” cried Captain Maul- 
head. “ Help yourself to whiskey. There’s some left, I 
think. No? then I’m mighty sorry, on your account as 
well as my own.” 

“ The fact of it is, captain,” said the visitor who con- 
ducted the conversation, “ we want your advice as to the 
proper method of entering the port in the night time. 
We are about to engage in blockade-running, and desire 
to know what points will be best on which to display sig- 
nals of welcome or warning.” 

While the visitor was speaking, I thought that it was 
desirable to see his face. I had a suspicion that I 
should know it ; and if such was the case, it was one of 
the most remarkable circumstances that ever came under 
my knowledge. 

I moved the door of the state-room a little, and was 
enabled to peer through into the cabin, and obtain a 
glimpse of those seated at the table. I looked long and 
eagerly, for I could scarce believe my eyes. 

No ; there was no mistake in the premises. Unless I 
was laboring under some hallucination, at that table sat 
my old employer, Mr. Blank, the Boston merchant, the 
patriot, the man of wealth, the father of Miss Hatty 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 




Blank, whose curls and bright eyes had captivated my 
heart the first time I ever saw her in her father’s count- 
ing-room ; and that impression was but strengthened 
when we met at Washington, where I was the means of 
rendering her some assistance, which she was gracious 
enough to acknowledge in terms that set my heart palpi- 
tating like a river steamboat under a heavy head of steam. 

Nearly opposite Mr. Blank, but so that I could see his 
face quite distinctly, sat old Crosstrees, the retired sea 
captain, with money enough to last him all his days, even 
if he was extravagant in his family and out of it. 

That same old fellow had tempted me, one day, on State 
Street, with the idea that blockade-running would pay ; 
but I had refused to listen to the proposition even for a 
moment, and on that supposition imagined that Cross- 
trees nad given up the idea. I little thought that I 
should so soon be engaged in the disreputable business. 
But such was the case ; and now it only remained for me 
to hear what Mr. Blank and the old captain had to offer, 
and after they had spoken, to keep out of their way until 
I could so disguise myself that they would not know me 
should we chance to meet. 

“ As far as the signals are concerned,” Captain Maul- 
head said, after a refreshing pull at the whiskey, ‘‘ you 
had better arrange that with your consignees. You see, 
each steamer th^ enters or leaves the port has different 
signals, known only to those who arrange them. This 
is an advantage, because it rather puzzles the Yankees. 
Of course I’m all ready to help you as far as I can ; but as 
for interfering with signals, it ain’t in my line. My duty 
is to hunt out Yankees, and fight them wherever found. 
That’s what I am here for.” 

“ You wouldn’t s’arch long, I guess, if you were very 
eager,” snarled old Cross trees, who now spoke for the first 
time, and with considerable twang to his tone. “ The 
23 


840 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE 


Yankees ain’t far off, and they is keen in a fight if they 
can find some one to battle.” 

Captain Maulhead smote the table with his fist ; but 
instead of manifesting anger, he laughed. 

“ Hang me,” he said, “ if you ain’t a Yankee.” 

“ Well,” said Crosstrees, shaking himself like a New- 
foundland dog after a visit to the water, “ I ain’t any* 
thin’ else, now you may jist believe.” 

“ I have engaged Captain Cross ” (he left off part of 
the name), Mr. Blank said, in his calm, dignified tone, 
“ for the purpose of taking charge of one of the steamers 
I have purchased in England, and expect in Bermuda 
next month. His familiarity with the Southern ports 
and coast qualifies him for the position.” 

“ Of course you can do as you please, but I shouldn't 
trust all to one of our enemies. A Yankee is a Yankee, 
all the world over ; although I don’t mean any offence to 
you. Captain Cross.” 

“ No ; I s’pose you don’t ; but it’s a very cool way of 
tellin’ me that I ain’t on the square, and all sich. How- 
ever, I’m a old salt, and don’t expect nothin’ else from a 
man what was edicated at the expense of the government, 
and then turned agin her.” 

I expected to see Captain Maulhead, who had received 
his education at the Naval Academy, fly into a terrible pas- 
sion, and order the immediate arrest of Crosstrees ; but he 
did no such thing. He swallowed the whiskey that re- 
mained in his tumbler, and then roared with laughter, as 
he said, — 

“ Well done, my son of Neptune. Southern air can't 
break yCu of quarter-deck habits. The old sea-dog will 
show his head and let his tongue be heard once in a 
while. Well, well, I like you all the better for it ; that’s 
a fact ; but at the same time, let me caution you that aU 
Southern officers are not as good-natured as I am ; so take 
warning.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


841 


“ I’m sure you will excuse Captain Cross,” Mr. Blank 
said, in that persuasive tone he so well knew how to adopt. 
“ He is a genuine Yankee, and — ” 

“ If he were not, he wouldn’t be here,” interrupted 
Captain Maulhead, in a tone so sarcastic, that I thought, 
if the two visitors had any sense of their own meanness 
and position, they would wish themselves back at the 
North, doing what they could for their country, instead 
of attempting to injure it. 

But the men were too intent on the course which they 
intended to pursue to care for such slight checks as the 
one they had just received. Money was to be made run- 
ning the blockade; consequently they forgot all moral 
considerations in hopes of grasping some of the gold which 
was showered upon the adventurous. They had entered 
upon their detested course resolved to perform all the 
duties that came before them ; to swallow all the insults 
that were thrown at their heads, except on special occa- 
sions, such as I have alluded to, when blunt old Crosstrees, 
unable to restrain his quarter-deck spirit, burst out, and dis- 
closed the fact that he was a Yankee, and possessed some 
of the real New England independence, that could not be 
quelled at all times. 

But I have wandered from the cabin scene, where three 
men were seated at a table, with an empty black bottle 
and two empty tumblers before them. I say two empty 
tumblers, because the aristocratic Mr. Blank was not 
the man to burn his throat with new whiskey, or any 
such liquor. Consequently he made a show of di*ink- 
ing, yet did not allow any of the vile stuff to enter 
his mouth ; while old Crosstrees had no such scruples. 
He would have swallowed a gallon of the fiery liquor, and 
Jieii called for more, totally unaware that it was not as 
mild as milk-punch. 

Silence reigned supreme for a moment in the cabin ; but 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


m 

at last Mr. Blank began to talk Southern patriotism, and 
BO interested Captain Maulhead in his conversation, while 
Crosstrees chewed tobacco and wished for more grog at 
the same time. 

Thus they kept me concealed for nearly an hour ; but at 
last they arose, and left the cabin ; and once more I found 
myself face to face with Captain Maulhead, eager to carry 
my point, and full as eager to follow my old friends, and 
find out what they intended to do. 

“ By the way,” said Captain Maulhead, as I took a seat 
at his table, “ you heard all those fellows said — didn’t 
you ? ” 

“ Pretty near all. I was not much interested in what 
they had to say.” 

“ They wanted me to help them ; but I’ll see them 
hanged first, and then I won’t. I go in for my friends.” 

“ I hope that you count me as one.” 

“ Of course. Haven’t you promised me a few gallons 
of whiskey?” 

“ Yes ; but you have not promised me the discharge of 
my men, captain. It is important that I should have 
them.” 

“ O, thunder ! don’t liother me on that point. I want 
the men more than you do. Come ; say no more about 
them.” 

“ I supposed that you would desire to keep them,” I 
said, with a laugh. “ General Rampage told me so.” 

“ Ah ! he is a sensible man. He knows how important 
it is that I should have the men.” 

“Yes ; he is so sensible that he gave me this note, 
requesting you to discharge the two men I claim.” 

I handed him the paper. The captain looked mad for a 
moment, but laughed, as he said, — 

“ I reckon I’ll have to comply with Rampage’s request, 
although I know he was half drunk when he wrote the 
note.” 


liONNING THE BLOCKADE. 


843 


“ How can you tell ? ” 

“ O, I know his writing well enough to tell when he is 
drunk or sober.’’ 

“Then you will comply with the request ? ” 

“Of course. Rampage is such a wilful man, that, if I 
should refuse him, he would hate me forever. Best to 
conciliate such people, for there is no kuowing who will 
turn up a trump in this war.” 

The captain struck the bell that stood on the table • 
before him. The steward appeared. 

“ Tell Lieutenant Drinkhard to discharge those two 
men who belong to the Belle. And, after you have did 
that, take the largest demijohn on board, and go to the 
Belle, and get it filled with whiskey. If I lose the men, 

I won’t the liquor.” 

In a few minutes the lieutenant entered the cabin with 
Mr. Reefpoint and his companion, the petty officer. They 
gave a regular sailor bow, and a twitch at their forelocks, 
as they stood before the confederate commander. 

“ Well, boys, hadn’t you rather stop with me, and fight 
the Yankees, than lead a blockade-running life ? Think 
of the glory to be acquired by whipping the enemy.” 

“ Yes, sir ; but s’pose we don’t whip, but get whipped ! 
then whar is the glory ? ” demanded the Yankee midship- 
man, in a tone that was not insolent, although it sounded 
a little pert. 

“ Humph,” muttered Captain Maulhead ; “you are too 
smart for my ship. If you hadn’t said you were a son of 
John Bull, I should have put you down as Yankees. But 
go your way. You are discharged; but, if I should get 
hold of you a second time, I shan’t let go in a hurry.” 

The men left the cabin after a duck of their heads ; and 
in a few minutes I followed them, promising Captain 
Maulhead to see him again in a few days. On the dock I 
found Mr. Reefpoint and companion waiting for me. I 


844 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


gave them a sign, and they followed me up the wharf until 
we reached a point where we could speak without obser- 
vation. 

“ Well, Harry, what luck ? ” I asked. 

“ Splendid, sir. The iron-clad fleet is as weak as the 
confederate cause. The ships are all botched in building 
If we were ready for them, they couldn’t hurt us, although 
they might do us some damage in the ramming line.” 

“ Your conclusions are right ; and now how can you con- 
vey the information to the fleet ? ” 

“ I don’t know, sir, how that can be done ; but I’ll 
think of the matter.” 

“ And I have already thought of it. Don’t you think, 
that, if a boat was left in such a manner that you could 
slip into it unobserved, you could reach the fleet before 
morning? ” 

W e might try, sir. If the boat is small and light, we 
could work past the guards. At any rate it is our only 
hope for escape.” 

“ You must not fail,” I remarked, as I thought of the 
great amount at stake. “ Failure would be disgrace in this 
case.” 

“We will do all that Yankees can do under the most 
trying circumstances,” Harry said, in a tone so confident, 
that I could not help admiring the lad, he was so bold and 
generous, so handsome and free. 

Just at this moment I looked across the street, and saw 
Mr. Blank and Captain Crosstrees. They were walking 
along the sidewalk, with heads down, talking in earnest 
but low tones. 

“Harry, do you know the tall gentleman who is 
opposite ? ” 

The midshipman looked attentively, and then rubbed 
his eyes as though he could hardly believe them. 

“ Good Heavens I he said, “ that looks like my uncle 
Blank of Boston.” 




RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 345 

The midshipman glanced at my face, and saw that he 
was correct in his supposition. 

“ It is him I ” he cried, and started to run across the 
street. 

I laid my hand on the lad’s arm, and held him fast. 

“You must keep away from him,” I whispered. “It 
won’t do to speak with him here in Charleston.” 

“Not speak to my uncle I ” the lad cried, in tones of 
surprise. “ Why, what’s up ? ” 

“ I don’t think he would care to have you see him in 
Charleston,” I remarked. 

“ Why not ? He’s a good kind uncle, and was always 
glad to see me.” 

“ I have no doubt of it.” 

“ And, if he is here in Charleston, it is because he is 
a prisoner, and on parole.” 

“ He is not a.prisoner, Harry ; and he is not on parole.” 

“ Then what is he, sir ? ” 

“ He is here to get ready to engage in blockade- 
running.” 

“ I can’t believe it, sir. My uncle is a great Union man, 
a patriot, and wouldn’t engage in such business. Why, 
he has given money to aid the cause, and help our sick and 
wounded soldiers. O, no I don’t tell me that he has 
engaged in blockade-running, or thinks of it. I can’t 
believe it.” 

“ Then I am sorry that I must undeceive you.” 

“ But who are you ? ” cried the lad in a passionate tone. 
“ What are you ? A rebel or patriot ? Are you for the 
Union, or against it? TeU me something concerning 
yourself. You are full of mystery. At one time I meet 
you on board a United States ship, and then I find you 
cutting out blockade-runners, commanding them, hand in 
in hand with prominent rebels, friends with aU, and yet 
true to none. Forgive me for speaking so plainly,” — for 


846 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the boy saw an expression of pain on my face, — “ but recol- 
lect you have just acoused a dear uncle of treasonable 
practices.” 

“ I can make no explanations,” I answered. “ Some 
day you may know the truth, but now my mouth is sealed. 
I can’t open it even to enlighten so brave a little fellow as 
yourself.” 

“Thank you, sir, I am sure, .for the compliment. I 
hope that it is deserved. But still it must not make me 
forget the main subject of our conversation — my uncle. 
See; he has stopped, and is looking up and down the 
street. Do let me go to him.” 

“ And have him disown you ? ” 

“ O, there is no fear of that, sir. You shall see how 
warmly he will receive me. He is not the uncle to turn a 
cold shoulder to a nephew.” 

I thought of the subject for a moment, and concludeo 
that the midshipman could do no harm unless he made i 
scene in the streets, and thus attracted attention from 
those who were in the vicinity. 

“You can go to him, Harry,” I whispered ; “but mind 
and have no words with him. Your safety and the safety 
of your uncle demands it.” 

“ Ail right, sir. You just keep quiet for a moment, and 
see how uncle Blank will welcome me.” 

“ Don’t mention my name,’' I said. “ Be careful of 
that.” 

“ Albright, sir. I will recollect.” 

With these words the lad started across the street, and 
confronted Mr. Blank. I could hear all that passed be- 
tween the parties, while concealed behind a fence that 
had been built as a pen for some small animals. 

“ Why, uncle Blank, who would have thought of see- 
ing you in Charleston I ” cried the lad. advancing with 
extended hands. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


347 


The Boston merchant was so astonished, that he stag- 
gered back, blushed red, and then turned white, and 
trembled violently ; and, had not old Crosstrees come to 
the rescue, he might have acknowledged the nephew’s 
salutation. But the gruff old captain, with a quarter- 
deck air, roared out, — 

“ Who’s you talkin’ to, youngster ? What in creation 
do you mean by speakin’ to us in that style ? Go about 
yer business, or I’ll try a rope’s end over yer shoulders.” 

“ No, you won’t, sir,” replied the midshipman, who was 
a lad of some spirit, and was not in the habit of being 
addressed in that style by a sea-dog whom he could teach, 
as far as science was concerned, all that goes to make a 
naval officer, who has been educated in the United States 
Naval Academy, perfect. 

“ No, sir,” continued Harry, firmly, but with courtesy. 
“ Because I see fit to speak with my uncle, you must not 
think I would suffer you to insult me.” 

“ Your uncle, boy ! what do you mean ? ” demanded 
Mr. Blank, who had now recovered his State Street assur- 
ance, and assumed an air that would have told had he 
been face to face with a rival merchant. 

Harry looked at his uncle in astonishment. 

“Do you mean to tell me that you ain’t my uncle 
Blank ? ” he demanded. 

“ I don’t know anything about him, sir,” was the gruff 
answer. 

“ And haven’t you a daughter named Hatty Blank, my 
cousin ? ” 

“No, sir.” 

“ Are you sure ? ” 

“ Do you mean to insult me, boy ? ” 

“ No, sir, I do not ; but still I hardly know what to say, 
1 am so surprised.” 

“ Then l ay nothin’, boy, but be off to your work, if you 


S48 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


have any,” muttered old Crosstrees, in a quarter-deck 
tone. 

** Nay, don’t speak so cross to the boy,” Mr. Blank said, 
m a gentle manner. “ He has made some queer mistake ; 
but still we must not be angiy with him. He is honest in 
his belief, no doubt.” 

'^That sounds like the voice and sentiments of my 
own dear uncle,” cried the midshipman, who recollected 
the many acts of kindness which Mr. Blank had per- 
formed. 

The Boston merchant’s face assumed a hard aspect, 
stem and determined — a regular State Street front ; 
such a face as he would have put on had a poor, unknown 
man asked him to loan a thousand dollars for ninety days 
without interest or security. 

“ Boy,” he said, “ I may look like your uncle, but that 
is no reason why I should be a relative Be off with you, 
and let’s end this nonsense.” 

“ My uncle would not have spoken to me in that man- 
ner,” the midshipman said, in a sorrowful tone. “ No , 
you are no uncle of mine.” 

“ Then what in the fiend’s name are you hanging round 
us for ? ” roared Crosstrees. “ Top your boom, and be 
off. Steer a straight course, and don’t anchor till you 
have found the harbor of Good Sense. And, arter you 
has found it, don’t you lift your mudhook till you has 
taken on board a cargo of wit and wisdom.” 

“Captain,” asked Harry, “did you ever visit that 
harbor ? ” 

“Well, yes, I s’pose I has,” was the response. 

“ Then it seems to me that you didn’t take on board 
much of a cargo, to judge how short of ballast you are at 
the present time,” retorted Reefpoint, with a look that he 
had learned on the quarter-deck of a national vessel, while 
associating with men who were apt to think that they 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


349 


were the head and centre of the country, and that the 
people who paid them for their services should be treated 
like some of their sailors. 

“ By St. George, but the boy has you there,” laughed 
Mr. Blank, who was too pleased with the lad s retort to 
keep silent any longer. Pride of relationship would show 
itself in all of Mr. Blank’s actions. 

Old Crosstrees uttered an angry roar, like a hungry sea- 
lion, and then seized the Boston merchant’s arm, and 
dragged him up the street, leaving Reefpoint standing on 
the sidewalk, looking after them, apparently undecided as 
to what course he should take to solve the mystery. For 
a moment the lad remained watching the forms of the 
blockade-runners. Then he sighed, and crossed over to 
where I was .concealed. 

“ Are you satisfied ? ” I asked. 

“ Yes, sir ; quite so.” 

“ You are sure that the man is your uncle Blank ? ” 

In an instant the boy’s suspicions were aroused, and his 
natural wit appeared. 

“ Before I am sure on such a point, I want to know how 
the information is to be applied.” 

“ You fear that I might injure Mr. Blank ? ” 

“ I trust not.” 

“ You may be sure of it. He is my friend. I was in 
his employ for many years. He always treated me well, 
but kept me at a distance.” 

“ And you would compel him to lessen that distance? ” 
asked the lad in a thoughtful tone. 

“ Yes ; in one respect I would.” 

Can you enlighten me a little more, so that I can find 
my true position ? ” 

“ Yes. Some weeks since, you promised to aid me in 
securing the hand of your cousin Hatty.” 

“ I remember the circumstance, and I still hold to the 
opinion which I then expressed.” 


S50 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Thank you. Now you can see the tie which T wish 
to form between your uncle’s family and myself.” 

“Yes; but still you will allow that your presence in 
Charleston is as suspicious as — ” 

“ Never mind me, or my presence here. Stick to the 
subject. Do you still think that the person with whom 
you have conversed is your uncle ? ” 

“ Well,” answered the midshipman, with a smile, “ I’ll 
tell you when the proper time arrives. At the present 
moment I am not prepared to answer. If I did, I might 
endanger the lives and fortunes of those who are innocent 
of evil intent.” 

“It is just as well, Harry. I shall never call upon 
you to bear witness against those whom you love. I know 
your thoughts, and respect them.” 

The lad bowed, and then we walked towards the BeUe. 
We went on board, and were met by the mate at the 
gangway. 

“Here are two men I have shipped for the return 
voyage,” I said. “ See that they are quartered with the 
rest of the crew.” 

“ Ay, ay, sir. Go for’ard, lads ; and I’ll see you in a 
little while. Two gents come on board this mornin’, sir, 
and wanted to see you about blockade-runnin’, I reckon. 
They look as if they was honest. By George I if they 
ain’t cornin’ down the dock now ! ” 

I glanced in the direction indicated, and saw that Mr. 
Blank and Captain Crosstrees were indeed heading towards 
the steamer ; and I debated whether I should meet them 
or si TO them. I resolved to do the latter, and then 
thought of the disguise which I had in my state-room. 
This disguise I resolved to assume for the time, and thus 
hold a free conference with Mr. Blank, and learn his 
plans. 

“ Keep those gentlemen on deck till you hear me strike 
the cabin bell ; then send them in to mer” 


RUNNING THE B1.OCKADE. 


851 


“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Where is Mr. Bowmount ? ” 

“Gone up-town, sir. Said he should not come back 
till near night.” 

This was just what I desired , so into the cabin I went, 
and in a few moments assumed my disguise, then struck 
the bell. 

The door opened, and in walked the mate, but he stopped 
suddenly when he saw such a strange-looking being in the 
^abin. He did not know me until I had made a sign for 
tim to express no surprise, but even then he could not 
Help muttering, — 

“ Dowse my toplights ! but this is a go, and no mistake,” 
and then the red-faced, broad-shouldered Englishman 
pointed to the two visitors, and said, — 

“ These gents wants to see yer, cap’n. Can yer hail 
’em now, or shall they wait?” 

“ O, I am happy to see the gentlemen,” I answered, in 
as gruff a tone as I could assume. “ Come to anchor, and 
I’ll order the steward to bring on cigars and wine.” 

“ Our names,” said Mr. Blank, with a graceful wave of 
his right hand towards Captain Crosstrees, “ are — ” 

“No matter about the names,” I cried, in a hearty tone, 
and with a bang of my fist on the table. “ As long as 
you are loyal men, I don’t want to know them. You are 
welcome to the Belle.” 

The two men colored a little, and for a moment appeared 
slightly confused, but they rallied, and then Mr. Blank, 
with charming frankness, remarked, — 

“ O, you can put trust in us. Captain Barnwell. No 
more loyal men in the South can be found than ourselves, 
although my friend here. Captain Cross, is a Yankee.” 

“ And you, sir, I suppose, wei N)rn in the South,” i 
asked. 

“Yes, sir — in Virginia.” 


852 


l^UNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ It is singular,” I remarked, in a musing tone, “ but 
your face seems quite familiar to me. I could have bwoib 
that I had met you in Boston.” 

“ It is quite probable, sir,” was Mr. Blank’s reply, with 
the old State Street look. “ I have purchased many 
articles in Boston, and visited the city several times.” 

“ Ah I thon I must have seen you on one of those visits. 
A pleasant place is Boston.” 

“You can bet high on that,” Crosstrees cried, a little 
too enthusiastic for a man who was about to enter the 
blockade business as a zealous friend of the South. 

By this time the wine and cigars were placed on the 
table ; and after a drink, and a puff of smoke, Mr. Blank 
unfolded his business. 

“We are about to engage in the same line as your- 
self,” he said, “and we want a little light on various 
matters that we can’t get except from those who have 
had experience.” 

I bowed, and listened. 

“We expect to meet two or three steamers in a certain 
port, and we want to learn the best method of running 
them into some Southern place of refuge.”, 

“ The best plan that I know of is to put on steam, and 
get past the blockade as soon as possible.” 

“ Yes, that is the principal way ; but suppose you meet 
with blockaders, — run on to them, in fact ? ” 

“ O, then haul off, and make the best of it. Get out 
of the way as soon as possible, and try again.” 

They did not appear to be satisfied with my explanation ; 
and yet I really had no other to give, even had I desired 
to serve the two men. 

“ There is another thing that you must avoid,” I com 
tinned, after a moment’s silence. “ You wiU find at everj 
turn secret agents of the United States. They will watoi 
your movements, and, unless you are sharp, will get th€ 

b«tt of you.’’ 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADK 


853 


1 spoke in my natural tone just then, forgetting that 
I was assuming a character. Old Crosstrees glanced at 
me as though trying to recollect where he had heard iny 
voice, and, as I ceased speaking, he dashed his fist down 
on the table, making the glassware dance a merry jig, as 
he said, — 

“ I’ve heard yer voice afore, dang me if I hain’t.” 

“Well,” I replied, “if you have, it is no reason, sir, 
you should break my tumblers and decanters — is it ? ” 

“ I’ll pay for all I break,” the captain said, in rather a 
sulky tone. 

“ That is not the question. I don’t want you to break 
my glass, and I don’t want your money.” 

“ Well, yer needn’t be so afeared of yer property,’ 
snarled old Crosstrees, who would not take a hint from 
Mr. Blank to keep quiet, and have no idle discussion. 

“ His voice seems familiar to me at any rate,” growled 
the captain. 

“ I must confess that in this respect Captain Cross is 
right,” remarked Mr, Blank, in his quiet, gentlemanly 
tone. “ Captain Barnwell’s voice at times does seem 
familiar ; but I can form no idea where I have heard one 
Uke it.” 

“ I know,” growled Crosstrees. 

“ Ah I I should be happy to hear the name of the 
individual whom I resemble, even in voice,” I remarked ; 
for I had an interest in continuing the conversation. 

“ It was that young chap, Frank Constant, what used to 
command a ship called the Laughing Mermaid.” 

Perhaps the reader may have forgotten that Frank 
Constant is my real name, and that Barnwell was one 
assumed for Southern purposes. At any rate to hear it 
pronounced in the cabin of the Belle just at that time was 
enough to startle me, so I filled a glass, and asked, — 

“Was this Constant as old as I am ? ” 


864 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ I should think not/* replied Crosstrees, in a tone that 
savored of contempt at the absurdity of the question. 

“ He was a young man, and a smart man, and a mighty 
good-lookin’ feller, now I tell yer. He was as promisin’ 
a cap’n as sailed out of Boston at the time this rebellion 
beginned, wasn’t he ? ” appealing to Mr. Blank, who 
smiled, and said that he would take Crosstrees’ word for 
it ; and then drew back from the table, and announced 
his intention of leaving, having obtained all the informa- 
tion he could make available. 

Crosstrees took another drink, and followed his exam- 
ple ; and then both of them went on deck, looked over 
the steamer, praised her build, and commented on her 
speed, and at last shook hands with me, and left, inciden- 
tally remarking that they should leave immediately for 
Wilmington, where a blockade-runner was about to sail 
for Bermuda, and a market. 

As the two men walked up the dock I saw the mid- 
shipman looking after them, with a very melancholy ex- 
pression upon his face, as though he comprehended the 
infamy of his uncle, and felt grieved at it. I returned 
to the cabin, and was about to ring for the steward to 
clear off the table, when I saw a package of papers lying 
on the deck. I picked it up, and saw that it belonged to 
Mr. Blank, for his name was on the back of several notes 
that I looked over. 

After a moment’s hesitation, I went to my state-room, 
and examined the papers at my leisure. To me they 
were more valuable than gold, for I saw they were con- 
tracts and correspondence between Mr. Blank and two 
members of the rebel cabinet, stating upon what terms 
they would assist him in his blockade-running scheme, 
and at what price he could have cotton to export. 

By these papers I learned all of Mr. Blank’s plans, and 
the plans of those who were connected with him. His 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


855 


own house was involved, and so were two New York 
firms. Their plans were so well laid, that onlj’- the 
utmost vigilance on the part of the Federal fleet and 
Federal officials could defeat them. 

These papers,” I thought, “ are worth thousands of 
dollars, but money could not tempt me to part with them. 
The time may come when I can give them up with honor 
to myself, but not to those who own them.” 

Just at this moment I heard some one enter the cabin 
with considerable haste. I suspected who it was, so con- 
cealed the papers in a safe that stood in my state-room. 
A knock at the door caused me to open it. I saw Mr. 
Blank, with a face that expressed some apprehension, 
standing before me. 

“Excuse me for interrupting you,” he said, “but J 
have returned for some papers which I have dropped from 
my pocket. I did not know but what I might have lost 
them in the cabin.” 

“You had better look round and see,” I returned, in as 
careless a tone as I could assume. “ Perhaps you can dis- 
cover them.” 

Mr. Blank commenced his search, but didn’t find what 
he was after. He looked at me with a grave and troubled 
face, as he said, — 

“ You don’t suppose that the stewards could have found 
the papers — do you ? ” 

“ If they had, they would have handed them to me,” 
was my answer ; while at the same time I pitied the man, 
and was at once half tempted to restore the papers to 
him. 

“ If you should hear of them, I wish you would seal 
them up, and send them to me at Bermuda.” 

“ Certainly ; or perhaps bring them to you.” 

“ Thank you. I mav yet find them before I leave town. 
I hope I shall, for they are worth to me more than to anj 
24 


866 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


one else.” With these words the merchant took his 
departure, and I supposed that I should have a moment to 
myself ; but a noise on deck once more aroused me. 

I went on deck, and found that Bowmount had returned 
accompanied by a stout negro, whom I had no difficulty in 
recognizing as Sam, the coachman, who had helped entrap 
me the night I was kidnapped by John. 

“ Do you recognize this imp ? ” asked the Kentuck- 
ian ; and as he spoke he cut the negro’s legs with a cow- 
hide, which produced a rapid movement on the part of 
Sam. 

“ O, golly, massa ! don’t do dat,” yelled the coachman. 
“ Don’t you know dat it hurts ? O, my legs ! Please 
don’t do so no more, massa.” 

And then followed several blows and several capers. 

“ Do you see this black chap ? ” asked the Kentuckian, 
suspending work for a moment, to talk to me. 

“ Yes, I see him. I have met the scamp before.” 
i “And so has I,” and here came in another cut on the 
darkey’s legs, that made him jump and howl with renewed 
energy. 

“ How did you get hold of him ? ” I asked, as soon as 
the noise had subsided. 

“ Mrs. Gowen sent him to you,” was the careless 
answer. Mrs. Gowen has been on the watch for the black 
scamp ever since he served you such a trick. This after- 
noon he was took while I was at the house, and she sent 
him to you, and says you may do what you like with him. 
If you takes my advice, you will give hiTu two or three 
dozen, and then send him to the city jail, whar they’ll give 
him as much more.” 

“ For de Lord’s sake, don’t do dat,” cried Sam. “ Dis 
nig is almost cut to pieces now. Him legs is one mess of 
rings.' 

I began to have mercy on the feUow, although he did 




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RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


S5T 


not deserve it at my hands. He had betrayed and robbed 
me, insulted me, and committed such crimes that a jury 
of white men would have condemned him to death on a 
ten-minutes’ hearing. But Bowmount had used a cow- 
hide on the negro’s person with such effect that I thought 
he had been sufficiently punished for the present, at 
least. 

“ Sam,” I said, “ you have treated me vilely.” 

“ Yes, massa.” 

“You robbed me of my watch and revolver.” 

“Yes, massa.” 

“ I want them.” 

“ Yes, massa. I has 'em for yer. I intended that you 
should hab ’em. Do you dink dat dis nigger would steal ? 
I took ’em so dat de udder niggers couldn’t get hold of 
’em. Bad niggers round Charleston. Take most any- 
thing dat dey can carry off, sar. I nebber seed sich ones, 
in all my experience.” 

“ You is as bad as the rest of them,” growled the 
Kentuckian, and then crack went his instrument of torture 
to the flesh, and once more the negro danced and howled, 
although I suspected that he was not hurt as much as he 
pretended. 

“ If you will only stop dat, massa,” yelled Sam, “ I’ll 
gib up de t’ings at once. On my word I will.” 

Bowmount suspended his barbarous work, and then Sam 
managed to produce, in some mysterious manner, my gold 
watch and silver-mounted revolver. The latter was 
empty, and the former run down, all the darkey’s inge- 
nuity not being sufficient to wind up the time-keeper. 

“ Um don’t tick, massa,” he said, as he gave up the 
watch. “ I shake ’em eber so much, but it ain’t no use. 
I reckon somethin’ de matter wid it, or p’aps it worn 
out.” 

“Now go,” I said, as I received my property ; and, as 


858 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the fellow left the vessel, Bowmount said that I was too 
soft-hearted, and it was no wonder the niggers got sassy. 

“ What induced you to go to Mrs. Gowen’s ? ” I asked. 

“ O, merely the desire of talkin’ with her on matters 
connected with her passage. Light a cigar, and come 
with me,” continued Bowmount. 

“ Where to ? ” 

“ The city prison ; to see that old scamp of a Rhett, 
and that nigger, John. They has sent for us.” 

Without a word, I took his arm, and up the dock we 
went, towards the prison. 


CHAPTER XI. 

A VISIT TO THE CITY PRISON. — OFFICER’S OPINION OF 
THE WAR. — COLONEL RHETT AND JOHN THE MULATTO. 
— THEIR RELEASE. — ESCAPE OF HARRY AND COM- 
PANION. — SAILING OF THE BELLE. — A DARK NIGHT, 
AND AN ANXIOUS ONE. — RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. — 
A MOMENT OF PERIL. — A SHARP PURSUIT. — MORE 
TREACHERY. — ARRIVAL AT BERMUDA. — DESPATCH- 
BAG AND ITS CONTENTS. — OLD ACQUAINTANCES. 

Walking to the prison, I learned from the Kentuck- 
ian, that while he was on his way to Mrs. Gowen’s resi- 
dence, some one had informed him that Colonel Rhett and 
John the mulatto desired to see him on business of impor- 
tance, and that they would be much obliged if he would 
bring me along, as they wished to consult me on their 
future welfare ; a piece of information that surprised me 
very much, for after their treatment, they could not sup- 
pose that 1 had much love for them or their plans. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


859 


“ We’ll go and see ’em,” the Kentuckian said, as we 
strolled along, “ and hear what they has to say for them- 
selves. ] wouldn’t refuse to listen to a nigger unless he 
was sassy ; and then I wouldn’t listen to him long, now 
do you think I would? ” 

I thought not. 

“ No ; dog on me if I would. And yet I have seen 
some nigs whose word I’d sooner take than some white 
men’s.” 

As became a true son of South Carolina, I curled a lip 
in disdain at such sentiments. The Kentuckian saw the 
sneer, and it roused him to express an opinion that could 
not be extorted except under great excitement. 

“Look ’e here, Barnwell,” Bowmount said, “your 
state allers made a blamed fool of itself on the nigger 
question. It allers went mad when a black skin was 
mentioned. It - never will larn sense, I believe. Why, 
I’ve seen men go ravin’ mad at the idea of giving a few 
slaves their freedom, jist as though it would hurt a state 
to do an act of justice of that kind. Of course, I ain’t 
meanin’ you, Barnwell. You is a feller of some sense, 
and I think, would listen to reason ; but some folks don’t 
know any better than to poke their heads agin’ a stone 
wall when they might jist as well butt a feather bed.” 

“ Bah ! ” I replied, “ you are more than half an abo- 
litionist. You had ought to live North, up among the 
Yankees.” 

“ And a dog-on smart one I should have been, now I 
tell you,” was the reply. “ There’s wusser people than 
the Yankees.” 

To this I made no reply, for, of course, I did not wish 
to lessen my people in the estimation of so radical a man 
as Mr. Bowmount, who formed opinions, and then stuck 
to them just through obstinacy, and the more you talked 
to him the worse he became^* 


8C0 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


The Kentuckian, finding that I did not attempt to com- 
bat his opinion, after waiting a moment or two to give me 
a chance, uttered a significant sniff, and said, — 

“ You don’t think like me, dog on it.” 

“ Well,” I answered, with a laugh, “you don’t always 
think like me, do you ? ” 

“No; I don’t want to. I hate the poor chap what 
alters agrees with me, I does. I likes a man what has a 
opinion of his own.” 

By this time we had arrived near the jail, where politi- 
cal and other prisoners were confined. A guard of sol- 
diers were lounging near the door, and as we ran towards 
them, they dropped the butts of their muskets to the 
gi'ound, and hailed us in a ship-shape manner, after the 
style of marines, who understand their business. 

“ You can’t pass,” said the corporal, “ without an 
order.” 

“ Order be hanged,” replied the Kentuckian. “ Send 
for the officer of the guard. If he knows me, in we go.” 

The officer of the guard was sent for. He proved to 
have been one of the party when the haunted house 
was visited, consequently we passed in at once, and 
found ourselves in an office where some dozen officers 
were smoking, and reading newspapers ; and one of them, 
I noticed with some surprise and considerable wonder, 
was deeply interested in a copy of The American Union, 
which had run the blockade, and was now affording 
amusement to a good-looking and intelligent member of 
the Confederacy. 

Most of those who were smoking, were talking over the 
latest news, the various rumors, and matters connected 
with the war. All looked up when we entered, stared at 
us for a moment in wonderment, and then resumed con- 
versation just as though we had not been present. 

“ I tell you what it is,” said one of the officers, who 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


861 


had been reading the Charleston Mercury, “ the editor of 
this sheet may say what he pleases, but I tell you there 
are Yankee spies in our midst. I know it.” 

“ Well, how do you know it? ” asked a captain, whose 
eyes had not been removed from us since we entered the 
apartment. 

“ Why, here is an extract from a Boston paper, and it 
tells just where our batteries are located, and how many 
guns each one contains. We have spies in our midst, and 
it is time they were looked after.” 

I don’t think that the young fellow suspected me, al- 
though he did look hard at me while speaking. At any 
rate, I met his gaze without flinching, or even changing 
color, for I had learned to control my feelings like a stoic. 

“I tell you what I’d do,” continued the suspicious offi- 
cer. “ I’d keep a watch on that nigger and white man, I 
would ; and I’d watch all persons who called to see them. 
That is what I would do ; and I tell you, if there were 
spies in Charleston, I would soon find them, and deal with 
them in a manner they would not like.” 

“My name,” said the Kentuckian, “ is Bowmount.” 

Every one looked up, astonished at the announcement. 
Those who were reading newspapers, paused in the work. 

“ Well, sir, what is that to us ? ” asked the suspicious 
officer. 

“Well, I don’t know as it is much, but I want to 
prevent mistakes in this way. I ain’t no spy, and I don’t 
want any man to call me one.” 

“ Well, my man, I haven’t called you one, have I ? ” 

“No; you have not. But as me and my friend here 
called to see that white man and that nigger John, I 
didn’t know but you would jump on us, and call us spies 
and sich like.” 

“ Ah I and who are you, if I am allowed to ask ? ” de- 
manded the officer, with a wink to his companions. 


m 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“I ain’t no spy, dog on me if I am, now,” was the 
reply. 

“Well, who are you, then? No man should come 
here on a suspicious errand without giving an account of 
himself.” 

“ My name is Bowmount, and at one time I commanded 
the Ninety-ninth Kentucky Cavalry ; but arter the Fort 
Donelson affair, I was paroled, and ain’t gone into tlie 
service since.” 

“ It is easy to say that you once held a commission. 
Even the poor chap in the cell says that he’s a colonel, but 
no one believes him.” 

“ I shouldn’t advise you, young man, to doubt my word 
unless you is prepared to stick to it,” remarked the Ken- 
tuckian, in a peculiar tone that preceded an outbreak of 
the most violent kind. 

“ Look ’e here,” said the officer, who had visited 
the haunted house, “ there’s no use quarrelling about 
this matter, for I can set it right in two minutes. Gen- 
eral Rampage is an intimate friend of Colonel Bowmount’s, 
and some of our fellows served in the same regiment with 
him.” 

“ O I if that is the case, of course I am satisfied, and I 
recall all offensive expressions,” and the young fellow 
touched his cap, and lighted a fresh cigar. 

As soon as good feeling was restored, we found no diffi- 
culty in obtaining permission to speak with Rhett and 
John the mulatto. 

The two were confined in a cell on the ground floor, 
where there was none too much light. There was no 
furniture in the cell ; but in one corner was a pile of 
straw, on which the men slept. 

“ Well, you miserable scamps,” said the Kentuckian, 
“ how does you feel now ? Shucks I but you is in a 
pretty fix, and no mistake. I wouldn’t give a picayune 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


m 


for yer chances of life, I wouldn’t. If yer necks ain’t 
stretched, it won’t be ’cos there ain’t enough hemp raised 
in Old Kaintuck.” 

“ O, Mr. Bowmount,” said the soft- voiced Rhett, purr- 
ing like a contented cat, “ you do talk so funny that it is 
a treat to hear you.” 

“ Shucks ! but it won’t be a treat to hear you when 
the rope is goin’ round yer neck, now I tell yer.” 

“ You don’t mean it, Mr. Bowmount,” cried the Vir- 
ginian. “ If I thought so I should telegraph to Rich- 
mond without delay, and let the authorities hear of my 
situation. I should, indeed.” 

“ Then you had better do it, for I tell yer that there 
ain’i much chance for yer lives unless a miracle is to hap- 
pen , and I’ll be darned if I believe the Lord will put 
himself out for the sake of obliging a vagabond like you, 
what had rather lie than tell the truth most any time.” 

“ You don’t mean it ? ” 

“ Bivt I does mean it.” 

“ Av d does Captain Barnwell think as you do? ” 

The V'irginian caught sight of me, standing in the rear 
of Bow mount, somewhat in the dark, so ma(^ motions for 
me to ( ome forward. 

“ Yo 1 don’t s’pose that Barnwell cares, does you ? Ho 
ain’t like to care for a man what tried to hang him. 
Shucks I I shouldn’t think he would.” 

“ It was only in the way of a joke,” purred Rhett. 
“ We didn’t mean anything serious, you know. Of course 
we should have let him go.” 

“ You know better,” John the mulatto remarked, speak- 
ing for the first time. “We intended to hang him, and 
I’m only sorry that we did not.” 

“ Will you hush, you blamed fool I ” roared the colonel 
in a rage, all of his purring gone in a moment. “ Curse 
you I if you don’t want to live, I do.” 


864 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ The nigger is some on truth,” cried Bowmount. “ He 
knows that there ain’t no hope, and that he might as well 
come out flat-footed as to sneak behind soft words, what 
no one believes and no one cares for. An honest confes- 
sion is good for the soul, as my old mother used to say.” 

John here stated that he had been led into a bad mess 
by the colonel, and that such being the case, he was de 
termined not to suffer alone if he could help it. 

The Kentuckian laughed, and was about to turn away, 
when it suddenly occurred to him that he had not asked 
why he was sent for. He put the question in his usual 
rough style, and with one or two oaths. 

“ Because,” answered Rhett, in an eager tone, “ I know 
your generosity ; and know that if oroper efforts are 
made, you’ll do something for us. We must all help each 
other in this world, and with such a cause before us. A 
glorious cause I We will fight for it until these aged 
bones fall to pieces, and this proud flesh drops.” 

“ O, shucks ! what blamed gammon that is ! ” cried the 
Kentuckian ; and as he spoke, he left the door of the cell, 
and went back to the room where the officers of the prison 
and the soldiers were lounging, leaving me alone to talk 
with the two men. 

“ Captain Barnwell,” whispered Rhett in an eager tone, 
“ we do not expect much of that man. He is too rough, 
you know, to feel the finer sensibilities of such natures as 
yours. You can appreciate our condition. You can for- 
give and forget. I can read it in your eyes.” 

“ Then you must have a vision like an owl’s,” I said ; 
“ for it is so dark here I can hardly see your face.” 

“Hal ha I you are always full of your fun,” laughed 
the colonel. “ My daughter said that you was the pleas- 
antest man she ever met. You always had a kind word 
and sweet smile for every one. I never noticed it before 
to-day. It is very singular,” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 365 

“ It is. Didn’t you notice it when I was about to be 
hanged through your means ? ” 

“ O, don’t allude to that little hit of fun, for I can call 
it nothing else.” 

“ But why don’t you appeal to the Richmond govern- 
ment, and get released?” I asked, after a moment’s 
pause, seeing that I could make no impression on the 
fellow. 

“ Because, sir, I have particular reasons for the course 
I have adopted. They are secret and honorable.” 

“ If the latter, confide them to me, and let me judge if 
such is the case.” 

Colonel Rhett groaned, and thought for a moment be- 
fore he replied ; and when he did speak, it was in low and 
feeling tones. 

“ When this struggle commenced,” he said, “ I was a 
rich man, but at the same time, the most imprudent one 
that you ever saw. I had no thought of to-morrow. It 
was all to-day. I feasted my friends, lent my money to 
all who wanted a loan, and at last found myself really 
embarrassed. A few importuning creditors have, since 
bored me on every occasion, and it is to get rid of them 
that I now keep secret all my movements. You see how 
I trust you.” 

“ I can tell how much you trust me after you have an- 
swered a few of my questions,” I remarked. 

“ Ask me a hundred, and I’ll answer them with that 
truthfulness which is so characteristic of the Rhetts.” 

“ Bah I ” I said, in scornful tones, “you can tell lies as 
well as other people. Don’t disgust me with more exhi- 
bitions of your hypocrisy.” 

“ O, that I should hear such words applied to me, and 
unable to call you to account for them I ” moaned the 
colonel, just as though he was in earnest. 

“ Stop all such nonsense, or I’U leave you,” 


RUNNING THE BLOCRADE. 


m 

He left off his moaning, and immediately became at- 
tentive. 

“ Tell me,” I continued, “ why you should fear credi- 
tors when you are in the military service of the Confed- 
eracy. You know very well that military law is superior 
to civil at the present time.” 

“Yes, sir ; to those who desire to shirk their responsi- 
bilities. I am not one of that kind. As long as I had 
money, I paid as I went along. When the war com- 
menced, and I found that there was no sale for my 
tobacco, I paid as far as I was able, and trusted to luck 
for the balance.” 

“ But you have not answered my question,” I said 
“ Who would dare to prosecute a confederate colonel at 
the present time ? ” 

“ Any one who saw that the colonel was not disposed 
to stand on the order of his rank. My creditors knew 
that I had some money, so they pressed me. I was sick, 
and determined to leave the country until my health was 
restored. By so doing, I knew that I should benefit my- 
self and daughter. Poor child ! it makes my heart bleed 
when I think of her and her desolation.” 

He pretended to wipe away a tear, but I don’t believe 
it was a real one, for I think that he was weU aware that 
his daughter could take care of herself in most any part 
of the world, and in most any kind of society. 

“ Look here, Rhett,” I said, “ I don’t know what to 
make of you ; and for the life of me, I don’t understand 
whether I can class you as a Yankee spy, or a true friend 
of the South.” 

The colonel uttered a sound that was intended as a 
laugh, but it seemed almost a failure. 

“ Don’t think hard of me, captain,” he said, in a ton© 
of supplication, “just because I allowed myself to be in 
the company of those negroes. It was tdl accident, I 
assure you.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


86T 


“ Is that the truth, John ? ” I asked the sullen mulatto, 
who had not spoken since I had commenced conversing 
with the colonel. 

“I don’t want you to ask me a word about that man,” 
John replied. ‘‘ He don’t amount to much. I am sick 
of him and his yarns. I’ll answer no more questions.” 

“ That’s right, John. You don’t understand these 
great matters like white men. We’ll learn you in time.” 

The mulatto uttered a roar like a wild beast that has 
been wounded by an unseen hunter ; but after that he re- 
mained silent and sullen. 

“ You will do something to get me out of this ? ” whis- 
pered the colonel. “I’m mighty uncomfortable here. 
My back is nearly raw, and smarts as though it was 
pickled.” 

“I can promise nothing at the present time,” I re- 
marked ; “ but in the course of the day I’ll see you once 
more, and let you know what action I’U take.” 

“ For God’s sake, don’t desert us. Our only hope is 
in you,” cried the colonel, as I left him.” " 

From the prison, I went direct to the telegraph office, 
leaving Bowmount to drink whiskey with the officers in 
the guard-room ; an occupation which he liked so well 
it seemed a pity to disturb him. 

I telegraphed to Richmond, to the secretary of war, for 
information respecting Rhett. In the course of the day a 
reply came to me that Colonel Rhett was absent from his 
regiment on sick-leave, and had left the country in com- 
pany with his daughter. 

So far, the story which Rhett had told was a correct 
one. I was a little staggered as I read the despatch, and 
could only account for the man’s peculiarities on the 
ground that he hated me, because I had kissed his daugh- 
ter. and rather snubbed him at times, while we were at 
Nassau. 


368 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


But the man had been punished in the most severe 
manner, so that I felt avenged, and determined to do 
something for his liberation. I took the despatch, and 
went to General Rampage, and laid it before him. 

Confusion ! ” he muttered. “Is it possible, that we 
have whipped a colonel in the confederate service ? I f 
such is the case, we can’t do better than to set hiiii ai 
liberty, and get him to hush up the matter, for it would, 
cause a stir if it was known. What shall I do ? ” 

“ Write a discharge for the colonel and the mulatto 
John. I’ll undertake that they keep quiet about the 
affair, for their own sakes as well as yours.” 

“ I’ll do it,” answered the general, and immediately 
wrote the order discharging Rhett and John from prison. 

With the order, I hastened to the place of confinement, 
confident that for once I had done a generous deed. 

When I reached the prison I found no difficulty in gain- 
ing an admission, or in obtaining an interview with Rhett 
and John. Bowmount, I noticed, was still in the guard- 
room, drinking whiskey as though for a wager, and spin- 
ning yarns of his adventures in Tennessee just before the 
Fort Donelson affair. I did not disturb him, but passed 
on to the cell where the men were confined. They were 
astonished to see me, not expecting that I would return so 
soon, if at all ; for the rascals knew that they deserved but 
little gratitude at my hands. 

“ This is kind of you,” said the colonel, as he came to 
the grating of the cell, rubbing his hands, and looking as 
amiable as possible. “ I didn’t expect to see you so soon, 
— • indeed I did not. 

One word of advice,” I said, earnestly. “ In a few 
minutes you will be free. I don’t care what becomes of 
you. You are able to take care of yourself ; but that slave, 
John, had better make tracks for some other section of the 
country. He has admitted too much to remain here, and 
live in safety.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


869 


I returned to the ship, and the next morning said noth- 
ing to Bowmount about what I had done, knowing he 
would blame me for so doing. It was not necessary for me 
to allude to the subject, and I suppose Bowmount had too 
much to think of to remember it. 

As I lighted a cigar, and went on deck, the mate came 
aft, his face showing that he had something on his mind. 

“ Them men what come on board yesterday has cut foi 
it,” he said. 

“ Are you sure that they are gone ? ” 

“Yes, sir ; and, blast ’em, they have taken a boat that 
was fastened to the dock. It’s my opinion they have cut 
for the Yankee fleet.” 

“ Well, say nothing about it at present. We may hear 
something in the course of the day. They couldn’t run 
the gantlet of guard-boats and batteries.” 

“ I rather tliink they could, sir. It was mighty dark, 
last night, and those chaps in the guard-boats are only a 
lot of sojers anyhow. If the boat drifted out with the 
tide, and the chaps didn’t use any oars, they wouldn’t 
have been noticed, I reckon.” 

I hoped that such was the case ; for Mr. Reefpoint car- 
ried such weighty information to the Federal admiral, that 
the safety of the Union fleet depended on its reaching him 
without delay. If Harry and his companion were safe, 
then I could feel that I had done some good. If they 
were prisoners, I should have to find other messengers to 
convey the important intelligence, and I wondered who I 
could hit upon. John, the mulatto slave, had declared 
that he was an enemy of the rebels, and that he hated all 
who were engaged in the rebellion ; but dared I to put 
my trust in him ? He had acknowledged that he was in 
communication with the Yankees, but he had said so only 
when he thought I was in his power, and that I should 
never live to tell of it. 

25 


870 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I walked the quarter deck, smoking my cigar, and 
thinking the matter all over, and at last came to the 
conclusion that I could not confide in John. He had 
proved himself too hostile to me to trust him. He had 
shown his vindictive spirit in more ways than one ; and 
as long as he suspected that Mrs. Go wen cared for me, 
just so long should I incur his hatred, and just so long 
would he seek revenge. 

I was interrupted in my reverie by the sound of heavy 
guns, far down the harbor. I looked towards Sumter 
through a glass, and saw that about a dozen of our block- 
ading-fieet were hammering away at the fort with great 
vigor and determination, just as though a serious attempt 
at reduction was being made. 

“ More niggers reached the Yankees last night,” a 
young confederate officer said, as he crossed the gang- 
way-plank, and stepped lightly to the deck. 

“ Ah ! how do you know that ? ” I asked, for I recog- 
nized the young feUow as belonging to General Rampage’s 
staff. 

“ For the simple reason that every time a deserter or 
a nigger reaches the Yankee fleet, the Yanks feel bound 
to wake up, and show that they are alive. There they 
go ; but it’s all a waste of ball and powder. Sumter can 
stand a hundred days’ bombardment, and still feel like 
fighting. It is the strongest fort in the world ; for the 
garrison does not depend upon thick brick walls, but bags 
of sand, high and thick. Well, I suppose the Yankees 
like to amuse themselves, but it’s mighty expensive 
fun.” 

I was delighted to hear the young fellow talk as he did, 
for it was a half assurance that Harry had reached the 
fleet in safety. I was so much pleased with his conversa- 
tion and revelations, that I asked him to take a drink, 
and smoke a cigar, two offers which were not refused. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


871 


He had come on board to invite Bowmount and myself 
to a dinner, given by General Rampage ; and after we had 
accepted the invitation, the young fellow took a second 
drink with the Kentuckian, lighted a fresh cigar, and 
went off, humming Dixie. 

That afternoon, I dressed, and paid a visit to Mrs. 
Gowen, who had sent word that she expected me I 
found the lady looking more charming than ever, and she 
welcomed me with such genuine expressions of pleasure, 
that I could not doubt that she was in earnest. . . . 

I was on board again before dark. Bowmount had 
missed me, but he did not ask where I had been. 

“ There’s a man what wants to ship with us, sir,” the 
mate said, in the course of the evening. “ He looks 
kinder smart like, as though he would do good service. 
Better see him, sir.” 

The mate seemed more eager than I ever knew him to 
be when talking of one of the crew ; but at the time I 
paid no attention to the fact, and merely said that I would 
look at the man, and that he might be shown into the 
cabin, so that I could examine him by candle-light. In a 
few minutes in came the candidate for the position of 
sailor. I looked the fellow all over, and it struck me that 
I had seen him before ; but where, I could not tell. He 
seemed about thirty years of age, dark features, dark eyes 
and hair, stout and active, with a mouth that indicated 
great determination, and some considerable courage. 

“ Well, my man, do you want to ship on board the 
BeUe ? ” I asked. 

“ Yes, sir,” was the prompt answer, with a touch of his 
cap, in regular man-of-war style. 

His voice sounded familiar, although I could not tell 
where or when. I gave the fellow a scrutinizing look, but 
he did not flinch. 

“ Are you an able seaman ? ” I asked. 


ST2 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“Yes, sir. I can hand, reef, and steer, and, if needed, 
shovel coals into the furnace. I’m willing to make my- 
self useful.” 

“ Why don’t you join the iron-clads, and serve the Cot^ 
federacy ? ” 

“ Because the iron-clads won’t fight, and I want to 
make money.” 

“ Haven’t we met before ? ” 

“ Not that I knows of, sir.” 

In spite of the denial, I could not help thinking that I 
had seen the man on board of some vessel I had com- 
manded ; but as there was nothing remarkable in such 
a suspicion, I concluded to ship the man, so told him to 
bring his chest on board in the morning, and to swing his 
hammock in the house. 

“ Thank you, sir,” was the reply. “ You don’t know 
what a favor you have conferred on me.” And with a 
touch of his cap the man left the cabin : but as he turned 
from me I thought I saw a dangerous glitter in his dark 
eyes, as if he would like to express his triumj^h in words 
and gestures, yet dared not. 

“ Humph I ” grunted Bowmount, who had been smoking 
a cigar during the interview, yet had not uttered a word ; 
“ do yer know I think that feUer is a sneak ? ” 

“ What makes you think so ? ” 

“ I don’t know ; but I has that impression. That man’s 
face don’t look right ; I don’t like the glance of his eye. 
I ain’t got much of what you’d call college lamin’, but I 
tell yer I can read humans like a book. If that fellow 
ain’t a sneak, then I’m na Kentuckian, that’s aU.” 

“ If you think so, I will not take him on board. It is 
not too late to change our resolution.” 

“No,” said the owner of the steamer, after a mo- 
ment’s thought ; “let him come. I have a curiosity to see 
what he will turn out. I ain’t afeared of him. Let him 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 373 

come, and welcome. I’m a match for him if he turns out 
vicious.” 

So the next day the new hand came on board, and com- 
menced his labors. The mate said that he took hold with 
much readiness, and that he was a smart fellow, and knew 
his duty ; which was high praise for the first ofiScer to 
utter ; for he seldom praised any one, being more pleased 
to swear at the men than to laud them, and more given 
to knocking them down than to setting them up. 

We completed our cotton loading, stowing on board 
some sixteen hundred bales of soft, silk-like Sea-Island, 
which we had concluded to purchase instead of common 
cotton, thinking that the profit on the same would more 
than recompense us for the trouble of waiting a few days 
and collecting our cargo. 

The evening before we sailed, Mrs. Gowen came on 
board, attended by a black girl, who had been freed some 
year or two before the war, so that in case she desired to 
run, on reaching the soil which does not tolerate slavery, 
the lady would not be a sufferer in purse or in feeling. 
Bowmount uttered a growl when the lady came on board, 
and took up her quarters in one of the best state-rooms in 
the ship ; but he said not a word in remonstrance, for he 
knew that it would be useless, as far as I was concerned. 

She had made up her mind that she would go with us, 
and when she had resolved that she would, she was not 
to be changed in her fixed determination. 

The night that we sailed was a busy one to all on board. 
We had kept quiet the hour of our departure, for fear 
the news would be carried to the blockading-fleet, and an 
extra lookout stationed to discover us. Only Bowmount 
and myself were in the secret, and it is certain that we 
did not divulge it. Late in the afternoon about a dozen 
passengers were notified that it was desirable they should 
be on board at sundown, at the latest, for no one could 
13 


874 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


tell what would happen. All were prompt, and among 
them was a despatch-bearer from Richmond, on his way 
to England, loaded down with communications from Davis 
and cabinet. The night was dark and squally, with show- 
ers of rain, which fell heavily, and at times shut out all 
the lights that were intended to guide blockade-runners 
in and out of the port. Even the pilot, whom I had en- 
gaged to take the ship as far as Sumter, seemed a little 
inclined to shirk the job, and intimated that the night 
was not such a one as he should have chosen for the work 
before him. 

“ Ye see,” he said, after a long and anxious glance 
over the harbor, “ the tide will begin to ebb at ten 
o’clock, and it will run like a sluice. Since the blamed 
Yankees sunk their old ships on the sands, the channel 
has changed, and I reckon it’s mighty onsartin in a dark 
night, taking out a ship that draws more’n fifteen feet of 
water aft.” 

“Then you are unwilling to run the risk?” I de- 
manded. 

“ I didn’t say that. I reckon I’m as willin’ and as bold 
as most of ’em, but you see there’s risk in it. I’ll do the 
best I can, but if I touches, don’t blame me, ’cos ye see 
how dark the night is, and the lights ain’t much for 
showin’ a feller where the deep water is.” 

I laid the matter before the Kentuckian, and he decided 
to make the attempt at all hazards ; for he was impatient 
to move. The night was favorable for avoiding the fleet, 
and he thought we could do it if we only exercised cau- 
tion. A little after ten o’clock the engineer reported that 
a full head of steam was on, and that the engines were in 
perfect running order. There were some anxious faces 
around me when this was made known, for on our success 
depended freedom or imprisonment. Fort Layfayette or 
Bermuda and Nassau. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


87 & 


“ Gentlemen/’ I said, as the passengers gathered around 
me, “ the risk is great, and the danger considerable. Are 
you willing to encounter it ? ” 

“ Yes,” was the answer. 

“ Remember, then, to keep cool and calm, and remain 
in the cabin without lights, or else on deck without 
talking.” 

As I turned to go on deck, I saw standing at the cabin 
door, where he could have overheard all that was uttered, 
the strange sailor, whom I had shipped a few days before. 

“ What are you doing here ? ” I demanded, a little 
“Sternly. 

He pointed to a carpet-bag which he held in his hand. 

“ The mate told me to carry this into the cabin, sir.” 

“ And how long have you been standing here listening 
to what was said ? ” 

“ Don’t know what you mean, sir ; ’cos I has no object 
in listenin’, sir.” 

The fellow appeared so honest, that I could but believe 
him. 

“ Drop the bag,” I said, presently, “ and go to your 
duty.” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

He handed the carpet-bag to the steward, and left the 
cabin, touching his hat respectfully as he did so. 

“ It is singular,” I muttered ; “ but I can’t help think- 
ing that I’ve seen that fellow’s face before. Where, I 
can’t for the life of me tell. His voice, too, seems 
familiar.” 

But in the hurry and confusion of leaving the dock, I 
forgot all about the sailor and my suspicions ; for I had 
other matters demanding my attention. We dropped into 
the stream, slowly turned the steamer’s head, and com- 
menced moving towards Fort Sumter, a light on the bat- 
tlements of Fort Moultrie being our only guide ; a slight 


m 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


warning against the numerous bars and other dangers of 
the harbor. The pilot took his station on the wheel- 
house, and I stood beside him. 

“ It’s an awful dark night,” muttered the official ; 
“and I wish that you had chosen some other time for 
starting. How the deuse I’m to get ashore on Sumter, in 
my boat, is more than I can tell.” 

I did not inform the man that I had no idea of stopping 
the engines for any such purpose in case there was a clear 
field before us. It struck me that Mr. Pilot would go 
farther than he anticipated ; a common occurrence with 
blockade-runners, and sometimes a very profitable one for 
the pilot. 

We crawled along with but little steam on, for the tide 
was ebbing fast, and carried us as rapidly as we desired, 
with men in the fore-chains taking soundings, and calling 
off the fathoms of water by feeling of the knots, instead 
of using a light, and being governed by the color of the 
rags. For two miles we met with no reverse of any kind, 
managing to keep in the channel, and clear of the shoals ; 
but after the light at Fort Pinckney was off our beam, 
the difficulties of navigation began to increase in a very 
perplexing manner. The first warning came from the 
man in the starboard chains. 

“ By the mark three I ” he cried, in a low tone, yet suffi- 
ciently loud to reach our ears. 

There was just water enough to show that we were 
grazing the bottom, with not an inch to spare. 

“ Port,” said the pilot; and then he muttered, “ hang 
such a dark night, and not a light-house to steer by.” 

We edged away from the sand-bank, and once more got 
into water three and a half fathoms deep. Then we run 
along half a mile or so, when the man in the larboard 
chains shouted out a warning. 

“ Quarter less three I ” he said. 


RUNf^ING THE BLOCKADE. 


3TT 


“ Stop her I ” cried the pilot. 

The engineer’s bell conveyed the order. But it was too 
late ; we were on a sand-bank, and still moving slowly 
along with the full force of the tide. 

Then for the first time Mr. Bowmount spoke. He had 
been on the wheel-house from the time we left the dock, 
but had not uttered one word until the ship’s keel touched 
the bottom. 

“ Is she hard and fast ? ” he asked. 

“ No ; for we are still moving a little, as far as I can 
judge.” 

“ How far are we from Sumter ? ” the Kentuckian next 
demanded. 

“A mile or more,” replied the pilot. “We must be 
under its guns.” 

“ Then we are safe from the Yankees.” 

“Yes ; they don’t dare to come up as far as this.” 

“Barnwell, what does you recommend?” demanded 
the owner. 

“ Putting on the whole of the steam, and attempting to 
work over the shoal.” 

“ And you, pilot — what does you say ? ” 

“ I say that we should only get stuck deeper. As it is, 
we must remain here till the next tide. I feared it all 
along.” 

“ And have the Yankees discover us, and pitch into us 
at long range. No, sir ; I don’t stand that. Barnwell, 
put on all the steam, and see if you can’t jump her over 
the shoal."' 

“ I wash my hands of the whole matter I ’ cried the 
pilot. 

“ Wash, and be hanged I ” was the blunt reply. “ Crowd 
on the steam, and let’s see what we can do.” 

But just at that moment the engineer opened a valve, 
and commenced blowing off steam, making a noise that 
sould be heard for miles. 


878 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Jove and furies I what is the man about ? ” roared the 
Kentuckian and the pilot with one voice. 

I went to the skylight that ventilated the engineer’s 
room, and shouted to him to save the steam, and asked 
him what he meant by opening the valve. 

“ Tell him to come on deck,” roared the Kentuckian. 
“ Up here with him, and let’s understand what all this 
means. By the Lord Harry, I’ll see if we have traitors 
on board. Shucks I but the man what tries to sell me to 
the Yankees dies, or I’m a nigger.” 

The engineer came on deck, surprised and indignant, 
leaving one of his assistants in charge, who had orders to 
reverse his engines, and put on all the steam that he could 
raise, and see if we could not back the steamer from her 
uncomfortable position, and once more float in water deep 
enough to keep her keel from the ground. 

“ Well, sir,” roared the irate Kentuckian, “ what in the 
deuce do you mean, sir, by such conduct?” and here he 
uttered a string of oaths that sounded most emphatic as 
well as profane. 

“ Look a-here, Mr. Bowmount,” said the engineer, in 
a mild but firm tone, “ if you talk to me, talk as one man 
should talk to another, for I’ll be hanged if I will be 
swore at as though I was a brute. Now understand that 
at once.” 

With all the Kentuckian’s faults, with all of his hasty 
temper and liberal expenditure of oaths, he was a man 
who respected true courage wherever he found it, in 
enemy or friend ; so I was not surprised to note that 
Bowmount lowered his tone considerably when he again 
spoke to the engineer. 

“ Mr. Crankpin,” he said, “ what in the fiend’s name 
did you blow off steam for? That’s what I want to 
know. And I puts the question, like good whiskey, right 
square afore you; and dog on me, if I don’t want an 
answer as quick as I can get it, and no mistake.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


879 


“ I let off steam, sir, because I was ordered to do so 
by the captain ; that’s why I did it,” was the confident 
answer. 

The Kentuckian fairly yelled his astonishment, as he 
dashed his old wide-awake hat on the deck, and stamped 
on it, and then deliberately kicked it overboard. 

“ Do you hear him ? ” gasped the Kentuckian, turning 
to me. “ Well, dog on me, if this ain’t a leetle the great- 
est thing that I ever heard in all my born days. Why, 
hang it, man. Captain Barnwell was standin’ right 
alongside of me jist at the time the steam began to blow 
off. Now, there.” 

“ But he sent a message by one of the men,” urged the 
engineer. 

“ He didn’t send no message. He ain’t spoke to no 
man except me and the pilot there ; I has been here all 
the time, and seed all that has taken place. You didn’t 
send no word like that, did you, Barnwell ? ” 

No,” I replied, watching the effect of the struggle 
that was going on between our powerful engines and the 
soft sand on which the steamer had touched. 

“ Do you hear that ? He didn’t send no sich message,” 
roared Bowmount. “ I knowed he didn’t.” 

“ Then some one has played me false,” said the engi- 
neer, in a tone so frank, that even Bowmount could not 
help believing him. 

“ Go find the man what brought you the word. If we 
has traitors on board, we will find ’em to make examples 
of. I don’t stand no blamed nonsense when a fortune 
is at stake, now I tell yer. I’d hang my own grandfather 
if he should but wink in a suspicious manner.” 

I saw that all efforts to back off the sand were useless. 
We were wasting time, for the tide was still ebbing quite 
rapidly, and every moment but added to our perplexities , 
consequently I said, — 


880 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Let the engineer return to his post, for we need his 
services more than ever just at this time. I am satisfied 
that he is no traitor, but an honest man.” 

“ Thank you, Captain Barnwell, you but do me justice. 
I am as true as steel,” replied the engineer, in a gratified 
tone. 

“ All right. So back to your post, as Barnwell says. 
P’int out the feller what told yer arter we is out of this 
scrape, if we ever does get out of it.” 

As the engineer turned away, I said to him, — 

“ Put on all steam, and go ahead ; I will see if we can’t 
lift her over the bar. It is our only hope.” 

“ I’ll do my part,” was the reply ; and the instant he 
entered the engine-room he kept his word, and had the 
elements to help him, and the rest of us, just as he had 
started the engines, and was letting on steam to send the 
vessel ahead. 

The wind, which had blown off shore, suddenly chopped 
round, and struck us on the bow, dead ahead. 

At first this might seem a misfortune, but we did not 
. so regard it, for with the wind came quite a heavy swell, 
long at times, and then sharp and choppy, showing that 
the elements were at war outside. The waves raised the 
steamer, and dropped her on the sand, but so softly that 
no injury was done ; not a seam was opened, not a bolt 
displaced. 

Little at a time steam was let on, and then the pressure 
began to tell. The huge wheels revolved so rapidly that 
they beat the water as if punishing it for its misdeeds ; 
the huU groaned, and creaked, and rolled, and pitched, 
while at the san: time heavy squalls of rain were dashed 
on the deck, and in our faces, almost blinding us for the 
moment, but still not driving us from our posts. 

The men who were in the chains, taking soundings, 
reported every few seconds. With their heavy le^ 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


881 


resting on the sand, they could tell if the ship moved 
ahead or astern. 

“ Does she forge ahead 7 ** 1 asked every second, and 
still the answer came back that she did not move an inch 
in the right direction. 

But still the wheels continued to revolve, and the ship 
to groan and roll ; and just as I had given up all hope of 
once more getting afloat, a huge swell came tumbling in 
from the sea, striking on our bow, and instead of going 
over us, and sweeping the deck, passed under us, lifting 
the steamer from its bed of quicksand, and for a moment 
allowed the paddles to be of some service in moving 
ahead. 

But that moment saved us, for the vessel seemed to 
have gathered strength for a spring, like a well-trained 
hunter, and when the waves passed, and the keel once 
more touched the bottom, we moved over the shoal, slowly 
but surely, as the men in the chains informed us. 

It was hard work, for the quicksands were as tenacious 
as pitch, and stuck to us like it ; but the power of our 
engines and the aid of the heavy swell did wonders, 
so that we soon had ten inches of water under our keel, 
and were moving along past Fort Sumter at the rate 
of eight knots per hour, all hands on the lookout for a 
stray but vigilant member of the Federal fleet. 

“ You did that well. Dog on me, ef I ever seed any- 
thing like it, old feller,’^ said Bowmount, speaking for 
the first time since we had been afloat. “ Here ; take 
some whiskey, old Bourbon, and drink to our future good 
luck.” 

I really needed the stimulant, for I was wet and cold, 
in spite of my rubber boots and coat. The liquor was 
therefore acceptable. I took a drink, and passed the bot- 
tle to the pilot. That worthy gentleman threw back his 
head, and the fluid gurgled down his throat, and contin- 
ued to do 60 until I thought he would strangle. 


882 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


But no such misfortune happened to him. He removed 
the bottle from his mouth, and after a long-drawn sigh, 
asked, — 

“ Is there much of that ’ere kind of stuff round here ? ” 

“ Two or three barrels full,” returned the Kentuckian. 
‘ You wouldn’t have a man go to sea short of provisions, 
would you ? ” 

“ No ; but two or three barrels ain’t much for a crowd 
what is on their drink, now is it ? ” asked the pilot, in an 
argumentative tone. 

No ; but the passage will be short.” 

“ There’s somethin’ in that, sir,” and then, after a mo- 
ment’s consideration, the pilot continued, “ It’s too 
rough to land at Sumter, and I should capsize if I at- 
tempted to beach my boat under the walls of Fort Moul- 
trie. I don’t know what to do.” 

“ Go with us,” I said. “ You are safer here than in 
your boat.” 

“ And you shall have an allowance of a quart of whis- 
key per day,” suggested the owner ; thus touching the 
man’s heart. 

“ Count me in,” he said , and just as he had announced 
his readiness to accompany us, almost directly in our 
course a blue light was revealed, exposing the frowning 
broadside of a blockading steamer. 

For fifteen seconds it threw its ghastly pale and weird 
light over the water, then died out, the darkness seeming 
ten times more dense than ever. 

“ Hang ’6m, they is on the watch,” muttered the Ken- 
tuckian, who stood at my elbow. 

“ The fleet heard the noise of escaping steam,” I re- 
marked, “and the ships have moved to prevent our 
escape. Ha I there goes a second light, and on board of 
another vessel. The Yankees are wide awake, and no 
mistako.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


383 


As the light died out, three or four red-white-and-blue 
rockets flew into the air, from various directions, and I 
knew that they meant, as plain as words could tell, “ Our 
ships are in^osition, and the enemy is in sight.” 

“ Shall we ’bout ship ? ” asked the pilot. “ There is 
time enough for us to run under the lee of Sumter, and so 
escape.” 

I turned to Bowmount for an answer, for he was the 
man most interested, and while waiting for a reply, 
touched the engineer’s bell to signalize slower speed of 
the engines. 

The owner did not reply immediately to the question. 

, He seemed to be turning it over in his mind, and calcu- 
lating the chances for escape ; for he was not one to turn 
back unless there was cause. At length he spoke. 

“ What does you think of it, Barnwell ? Is there any 
hope for us ? Can we break through the lines, and show 
’em our heels ? ” 

“ If we were once through the line, we could out- 
steam the best boat on the coast,” I answered, in a^ion- 
committal style. 

“ I know that, but it ain’t the question. Can we get 
through, and not carry off shots between wind and 
water ? ” 

“ If you say go on. I’ll do the best I can. The night 
is dark, and that is favorable for us. We may have the 
luck to slip by.” 

An exclamation of surprise from the pilot attracted my 
attention. I turned, and saw, soaring heavenward, direct 
from the bow of the Belle, a red rocket, which burst, 
and sent down upon the dark waters a thousand bright 
stars. 

“ We have blamed traitors on board,” yelled the Ken- 
tuckian, and leaving the bridge, jumped to the spar- 
deck, and started forward, bowie-knife in hand, de^ 


884 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


termined to kill or maim the person who had sent up 
the signal, and thus gave the Federal fleet our exact 
position. 

“ Shall we go on ? ” asked the pilot, as sooi^s he found 
that we were alone. 

I was just about to order the engineer to reverse his 
engines, and back towards Fort Sumter, when a black 
mass suddenly appeared alongside, and then I knew that 
it was too late. We were under the guns of a Federal 
gunboat, and would be blown out of the water if we but 
made a motion to escape. Nothing but coolness and im- 
pudence could save us now. 

The pilot saw the apparition, and commenced drinking 
all the whiskey he had in his flask. In a few minutes 
he was in a state of blind drunkenness, and didn’t know 
the points of the compass, or Fort Sumter from a brick- 
bat. 

In a moment, fore and aft, there was such stillness 
came over the vessel, that any one could have told that 
great danger was at hand. Even Bowmount, whose loud 
swearing I had heard but a moment before, suspended his 
hard words, and seemed to have sheathed his knife, and 
awaited the development of events, with a patience that 
most all rash men can assume under certain circumstances. 

“ Is that you, Hubbard,” asked the commanding officer 
of the dark frowning mass that was ranging alongside. 

The officer had made a mistake, owing to the darkness. 
A thought entered my head that there was yet hope for 
us. Mr. Midshipman Reefpoint had mentioned the name 
of Commander Hubbard of the Highflyer, a steamer that 
carried ten guns, and two hundred men ; and it struck me 
I had met some one who supposed that he was alongside 
of Hubbard’s ship, the dark hull of the Belle favoring the 
deception. 

I did not for a moment hesitate as I replied, — 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


885 


“ Yes, this is what is left of me, but I^m almost washed 
away by the rain and sea,” and then, thinking that I 
woiQd first cry “ thief,” added, — 

“ I wish that blockade-runners were to the deuce rous- 
ing a man out on such a night as this on a wild-goose 
hunt. If one started, he turned back as soon as he saw 
our blue light.” 

“ I guess that’s so ; but what the deuse did you throw 
up that rocket for just now ? You know that it is not the 
right signal, don’t you ? ” asked Commander Hubbard, in 
all honesty. 

“ Of course I do, but the gunner made a mistake, and 
let it pass, supposing that every one would understand it. 
It was intended to let the admiral know that I could see 
nothing as far as I had gone.” 

“ How far did you run in, sir ? ” 

“ Close to Sumter ; but I did not darTto show a glim, 
for fear the active gentlemen who man the fort would 
salute me with a few of their heavy shells. They are 
capable of it, at any time.” 

“ I believe you ; for I notice that they have grown 
spiteful lately. I should like to have a hack at them, 
although it would be of no use. Wooden walls won’t 
stand against stone and sand, and the rebels know it.” 

“It is true, but at the same time I should like to 
stir — ” 

I had proceeded so far, when some one, who, I could 
not tell, put his head through a port hole, or looked over 
the rail, and yelled out in a loud tone, — 

“ Treason I Treachery ! A blockade-runner. Fire on 
ns.” 

My heart jumped into my mouth, and I thought I was 
done for ; but still did not lose my presence of mind. I 
knew the cries would startle Commander Hubbard, and 
that he would hasten to ask some awkward questions, but 
26 


886 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I determined to forestall him, as the only method of ban • 
ishing his suspicions. 

“ Take that man back to the sick-bay,” I said, in a tone 
that would reach the quarter deck of the other steamer, 
“ and tell the surgeon to put a guard over him as long as 
he is out of his heM.” 

I dreaded that the traitor whom we had on board 
would once more proclaim our character, but he did not, 
for the reason that all our crew and passengers, armed 
with heavers, handspikes, knives, and revolvers, were 
rushing around the decks, poking blades into dark cor- 
ners, and looking sharp for the scoundrel who had at- 
tempted to betray us. If he had been caught in the act 
of giving an alarm, certain and speedy death would have 
been his portion. The crew and passengers would not 
have waited for the formalities of a trial. They would 
have taken the law into their own hands, and despatched 
their victim without a pang of remorse. 

“ What is the matter ? ” asked the commander of the 
Federal steamer, in a tone a little sterner than the one 
he had before used; for it was a grave breach of dis- 
cipline for one of the crew to utter even a whisper when 
two captains were carrying on a conversation. 

“ One of my poor fellows was sun-struck a few days 
since, and owing to carelessness, escaped from the sick- 
bay. I hope that he will get over it in a short time ; but 
it is a tough case. All owing to this confounded cli- 
mate.” 

“ Too true. Hope he will recover. But where is the 
blockade-runner ? ” 

“ Gone back to Charleston, I guess. He’d be a fool to 
attempt to run out such a night as this.” 

“ So I think. Good by. Come and dine with me to- 
morrow.” 

“ I will ; and now I must run down and report to the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


887 


admiral.’’ And with' these parting words I touched the 
bell that notified the engineer a little more steam was 
wanted. 

We edged away, and soon lost sight of the gunboat, the 
captain of which did not receive his expected guest the 
next day ; and when he charged Commander Hubbard 
with neglect, the latter repudiated the charge in emphatic 
terms, and by comparing notes, they came to the joint 
conclusion that some rebel blockade-runner had performed 
a most prodigious game of humbugging which would not 
be best to try on the second time. 

Mr. Reefpoint afterwards told me that the whole mat- 
ter was talked over in the fleet for a week ; and that the 
admiral swore like a seventeenth-century pirate at the 
carelessness in not trying the Belle with secret signals, the 
only sure method to bring out the truth when meeting 
a strange vessel on a dark night. 

To some of the gaUant sailors who served on the South- 
ern station at the time of which I write, these few facts 
will prove interesting, and explain some points which 
were rather clouded with darkness. At any rate, if they 
read this, let us hope they will not bear any malice for 
the little trick which circumstances over which I had no 
control compelled me to perform. 

As soon as we had lost sight of the gunboat, and had 
passed the outer circle of the blockading fleet, the Ken- 
tuckian came to me, wet as I was, and took me in his 
arms, and wanted to kiss me ; but that I objected to in 
decided terms, for I remembered that in Boston were a 
softer and sweeter pair of lips, which I preferred to those 
of the owner. 

“ Barnwell,” cried the enthusiastic Kentuckian, “ you 
are a trump, and no mistake. To you I owe my ship and 
cargo. No other man but you, dog on me, could have 
took ua through that scrape, now I know. Shucks I how 


888 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I loves a noble-hearted man, what comes up to my expecta- 
tions I Here, drink ; and let me swear to you universal 
friendship, that shall last forever and ever. Amen. 

“ Barnwell,” continued the owner, “ is there more dan- 
gers ? Can a feller yell just as much as he pleases, and not 
run no risk of waking up the Yankee fleet? ” 

“ Shout as much as you please,” I answered. “ No one 
can hear you in this breeze, or if you are heard, it won’t 
make much difference. It will 'not be noticed.”*^ 

The Kentuckian commenced a mad dance, and then 
made a second rush for the purpose of embracing me ; 
but this encounter I dedined, to the intense amusement 
of the passengers, who had recovered from their fright, 
and renewed their good-nature, although I did not feel like 
rejoicing with them at the cheat which had been imposed 
upon the Yankees. 

“ Blast it, old feller, let me show my gratitude in some 
way I Let me do somethin’ to prove that I’m grateful for 
savin’ ship and cargo. Egad ! how the Yankees would 
have chuckled over the long and silky Sea Island what we 
has on bo^rd, and is worth most a dollar and a half of any 
man’s money ! Whoop ! let’s begin. Whiskey for all of 
us, you stewards. Set it out on the table, in the cabin, 
and give us a cold bite. Pipe all hands to liquor, and let 
’em splice the after downhaul, or whatever you caU it. 
Hoop! wake snakes, and let’s liquor.” 

The owner and passengers rushed to the cabin, and 
once more left me in possession of the quarter-deck. I 
wanted to be alone, to think over what had passed, and to 
wonder who had managed to get on board with the Arm 
determination of betraying the vessel into the hands of 
the Federals ; something that I should have rejoiced at, 
under other circumstances, although I had too much at 
stake to care about meeting my Union friends just at that 
time. While I was looking astern, to see if there was any 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


889 


evidence of commotion in the fleet, I saw a flash, and 
then the report of a heavy gun, while at the same time a 
flight of rockets darted into the air, and burst, showering 
down green and red stars in profusion. 

They have waked up to the fact that you have escaped,*' 
some one said, close to my elbow ; and, turning, I saw the 
man who had como on board with despatches from the 
Richmond government, and with which he was to make 
the best of his way to Europe, while I had resolved that 
if the fellow did visit the continent he should go empty- 
handed; for the despatches I was determined to have, 
even if I had to resort to a little violence for the sake 
of obtaining them. 

“Yes,” continued the despatch-bearer, “ the Yankees 
have discovered that their prize has slipped through their 
hands. There jvill be a deuce of a commotion to-morrow 
morning, and some of the commanders will get a wiging.** 

“I shouldn't be surprised if such was the case,” I 
answered. 

“ We slipped through much better than I anticipated,” 
continued the despatch-bearer. “ Do you know that at 
one time I had weights attached to my despatch-box, so 
that I could throw the papers overboard, and sink them, 
in case we were captured ? This contains too much valua- 
ble information for the Yankees to get hold of. It would 
be a godsend to them.” 

He touched a carpet-bag, that seemed to contain the box 
and papers which he alluded to. It was hanging to a 
belaying-pin in the fife-rail, around the mizzen-mast, and 
consequently swung back and forth with the motion of the 
vessel ; and although we rolled and pitched considerably, 
yet not enough to displace the bag, and even if it had 
slipped from the pin, it could not have rolled overboard, 
for the rail was too high to admit of such a thing, and we 
were not shipping enough water to wash it into the seai 


890 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


I have been somewhat particular in stating this fact for 
reasons which will soon appear. 

While the despatch-bearer was chuckling at having 
avoided the Yankees, one of the crew came on the quarter- 
deck, and began to coil down some of the ropes which had 
worked loose. I supposed that the mate had sent him, so 
did not look at the man, or notice what he was about. In 
a few minutes he had concluded his labors, and went 
forward, while my passenger and myself remained on the 
quarter-deck, smoking, and talking of various topics, all 
relating to the Southern Confederacy. 

All at once Bowmount, who was in the cabin, brewing 
punch, missed me, and yelled to me to come to him, and 
submit to have my health drank ; a proposition that was 
hailed with cheers of enthusiasm by the passengers. 

“We must go and see them,’’ said the despatch-bearer. 
“ They are mixing punch, and I think I smell its perfume 
even here. I long for a drink. Shall we join the joUy 
dogs.” 

“ I have no objection. I think that we are now safe.” 

The despatch-bearer went towards the mizzen-mast for 
the purpose of recovering his carpet-bag which contained 
important papers from the Kichmond government. Sud- 
denly he uttered an exclamation of horror, fell on his 
knees, and commenced searching the deck, all the time 
uttering the most passionate exclamations. 

“ What in the fiend’s name is the matter ? ” I asked ; 
for I thought the fellow had been attacked by a fit. 

“ It’s gone I ” the man howled ; “ it’s gone 1 ” 

“ What’s gone ? ” 

“ My carpet-bag, containing all my despatches. O, my 
God I what will become of me ? A moment ago it was 
here, on the rail, and now it is gone. Some one has stolen 
it. I am betrayed. There’s traitors on board this vessel. 
They have got possession of my despatches, and I shall b« 
shot if I ever return to the Confederacy.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

At this moment Bowmount came on deck to hurry me 
to the cabin. He overheard the wailing, and said, — 

“ Then it’s my advice to you to keep away. Don’t be 
a blamed fool, and go and put yer head in the wolfs 
mouth. That’s my advice, I reckon, and, shucks I you 
may take it for what it is worth, or let it alone.” 

“ I’ve lost my despatches. I’m a ruined man^” moaned 
the agent, still searching on the deck for his carpet-bag. 

“Well, then, don’t you go for to teU every one that you 
is ruined, ’cos if you does they is sure to believe yer. 
Keep cool, and matters to yerself, and then ye can hold 
up yer head, and no one will be the wiser for what ye 
has lost.” 

“ O, my despatches I ” moaned the man. 

“ Hang yer despatches ! they wan’t of any use, no how,” 
pettishly exclaimed the Kentuckian. “ Let ’em go to 
thunder ; and come in the cabin, and have a drink. I 
wouldn’t give a bottle of whiskey for all the despatches 
in creation.” And with a growl like that of an angry 
bear, Bowmount returned to the cabin to drink success to 
the voyage with the enthusiastic passengers. 

“What shall I do?” asked the despatch-bearer, turn- 
ing to me for consolation. 

I did not know what to answer. The loss surprised me 
as much as it did the confederate agent. It was improba- 
ble that the bag could have disappeared without the aid 
of hands ; for the motion of the ship would not have 
loosened it from the pin in the rail. At first I thought 
that the man at the wheel might have stolen the property, 
but he could not have left his post without being detect- 
ed. Then I thought of the fellow who had come aft, and 
coiled up the ropes. He must have committed the rob- 
bery, and if such was the case, detection was probable. I 
approached the sailor at the wheel, an Englishman, and one 
who had made the run with me to Charleston, and asked, — 


892 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Jack, who was the man who coiled up the ropes a few , 
minutes since, on the quarter-deck? ” 

“ I don’t know, sir ; I didn’t look at him. I was too 
busy watching the compass, and keeping the ship on her 
course.” 

“ Humph ! ” I thought. “ I wonder if you are always 
so particular.” 

“ You saw a man come aft? ” I said. 

“ Yes, sir ; but I didn’t look up to see who it was.” 

The mate was forward, stowing the chain and anchor. 

I sent for him, and he was prompt in coming aft. 

“ Mr. Cringle,” I said, “ do you recollect whom you 
sent to the quarter-deck to coil up ropes ? ” 

The mate canted his head over one side, and thought of 
the matter for a moment. 

“ No, sir,” he answered. “ I didn’t send any one aft, 
cos I has been so busy that I didn’t think of it.” 

The despatch-bearer uttered a howl of anguish. 

“ I ’opes no one has been sassy on the quarter-deck, 
sir,” said the mate. “ If any one has, jist pint ’em out, 
and I’ll warrant he don’t do it agin.” 

“No one has been impudent as far as words are con- 
cerned, but some one has come aft, and stolen a valuable 
package of papers, which were in a carpet-bag.” 

The mate scratched his head, not knowing what else to 
do ; and then he turned his quid, and said, — 

“ There is some one on board what hadn’t ought to be 
here. He is a rum customer, and if I could lay hands on 
him he’d go overboard afore he had time to say his prayers, 
now I tell ye. I has been huntin’ for him from the time 
that he sent up that bloody rocket to the time when he 
hailed the Yankee gunboat. He is a sly one, but I think 
we can nab him yet ; and if we does, why, we will settle 
his coffee jist as sure as fate.” 

“ The man who gave the signals might have been the 


893 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

one who stole the carpet-bag. To you I intrust the duty 
of finding it. Search every part of the ship if it is 
necessary. Find it/’ and then I sunk my voice to a whis- 
per, “ and if you do find it, don’t fail to give it to me, and 
say not a word about it to any one.” 

“ Yes, sir ; ” and the mate was turning away, when I 
stopped him, by asking, — 

“ Do you think that Dick Smith, the new hand, is con- 
cerned in the matter ? ” 

“ Lord bless ye, no, sir. Dick is as stanch as oak, 
sir, and has been close to me all night. He’s a trump, sir, 
and a smart sailor. That’s what he is.” 

“Was he alongside of you when the gunboat was 
haded ? ” 

‘ “ No, sir ; ’cos I’d jist sent him to see that the men 
didn’t make a bit of noise. O, I’ll go bail that he’s a 
slap-up true man.” 

“ Well, perhaps he is ; but keep an eye on him, and see 
if you can notice anything suspicious.” 

“Yes, sir,” and the mate went forward, while the con- 
federate agent retired to the cabin, and eudeavored to 
forget his misery by drinking whiskey punch, a task that 
all seemed to enjoy ; for after I had given the course of 
the ship, and performed some other duties, I left the deck 
in charge of the mate, and joined the happy company that 
mustered around the cabin-table, some of them so jolly 
that they did not know whether they were on shore or 
the sea. » 

“ Three cheers for the cap’n of the Belle ! ” yelled one 
feUow, as I entered the cabin, and I must confess that the 
cheers were given with a will, and that a glass of whiskey 
punch was thrust into my hand, which I drank with 
infinite relish ; and then all eyes were directed towards 
Bowmount, who was telling of the trouble he had experi- 
enced in searching for the traitor who was on board, and 




RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


who had managed thus far to elude all attempts ai 
discovery. While this was going on, I heard a commotion 
on deck ; such a one as indicated that my presence was 
required. 

“ Light off the starboard-bow,” cried the lookout. 

“ A steamer in sight off the starboard-bow,” cried half 
a dozen voices ; and then the revellers in the upper cabin 
started from their seats, and dashed on deck. 

“ Silence, fore and aft,” was the first order I gave. 
“ Let the men go to their stations. Gentlemen, you must 
retire to the cabin, or keep quiet. Don’t let me hear a 
loud word.” 

“ Blast me, if I don’t keep ’em quiet,” said the Kentuck- 
ian, who had drank so much that he did not know what 
was going on for some minutes. Our sudden danger had 
almost sobered him, so he was just the man to keep the 
others still. 

The mate pointed out the suspicious steamer, about a 
mile off our starboard-bow, and apparently edging towards 
us ; for she was heading in the same direction that we 
weie, but without that regard to secrecy which was so 
essential to ourselves, for we could see the light of her 
furnaces as she rolled and pitched with the heavy sea, and 
no attempts seemed to have been made to screen them 
from observation. 

I looked at the stranger, long and earnestly, through a 
powerful spy-glass, but the night was so dark that I 
could not tell whether we had fallen in with one of Uncle 
Sam’s cruisers or not. The fellow might be a blockade- 
runner, waiting for a chance to get in ; or he might have 
escaped from some port, and was now running along, 
under easy steam, for Havana, Nassau, or Bermuda. 

“ What is he ? ” chorused half a dozen of the most 
sober of the passengers. 

“Silence I” roared Bowmount; “we won’t have no 
noise here on the quarter-deck.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


895 


“ Gentlemen,” I said, “ I don’t know wkat to make of 
the stranger, but, if you will keep quiet. I’ll let you know 
in the course of time.” 

With this all seemed satisfied, even if they were not, 
while I ordered the steamer to be kept away a couple 
of points, wishing no company under our circumstances. 
I was soon satisfied that the stranger desired a closer 
acquaintance, for the fellow edged away to meet our 
movements, and after we had run along for a mile or more 
without much change in our relative distances, a light was 
flashed from the rigging of the steamer, and then three 
lanterns formed a triangle, changing from the latter to a 
square, and froYn a square to a diamond, all of which meant, 
as plainly as words could express, that our number and 
name were desired, if it was not too much trouble on our 
part. I could read the signals as plain as a book, but I 
could not answer them while surrounded by a dozen or 
more rebel gentlemen, who would have relished such 
information, and used it on other occasions. No ; if I was 
chased even into the harbor of Bermuda, I would not 
allow those on board to penetrate the mysteries of the 
United States signals. 

“ Better drop the chap,” said the owner, who had thrust 
his head into a pail of water, and now was as sober as man 
could be. “We don’t want no such sneaks as that round 
us — do we ? ” 

“ No ; and I’ll try and throw him off. At any rate, we 
will see if he has speed ; for I tell you candidly that it’s 
one of Uncle Sam’s ships on the outer station, ready to 
pick up all that crosses its course.” 

I touched the bell to notify the engineer that more steam 
was wanted. A prompt answer was returned in the shape 
of smoke and a rush of the paddle-wheels. The steamer 
started ahead with increased speed, plunging into the 
waves, throwing the spray high in the air, and sometimes 


5' '■'k \\-y- 


896 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

landing huge masses of water on the deck, which swept 
aft, to the intense disgust of the passengers, who would 
jump on chicken-coops and chairs for the purpose of sav- 
ing their feet from being wet. Fifteen minutes’ such 
running settled one point, and that was that the gunboat 
could travel as fast as the Belle. Such at least appeared 
to be the case ; for we did not increase our distance from 
the stranger. He held his own in spite of us, which fact 
caused me some uneasiness. The passengers, those who 
were sailors, and could stand head seas and bad weather 
without sickness, also saw that we had caught a tartar, 
and were disposed to grumble, as men will sometimes when 
they are in distress or danger. Their alarm, and the cold 
spray, mixed with rain, began to sober them, so that we 
no longer had snatches of wild songs and enthusiastic 
bursts of self-glorification. 

“Mr. Cringle,” I said to the mate, in a quiet tone, 
“send the chief engineer to me.” 

“ Yes, sir ; ” and off he went on his errand. 

In the course of a minute or more Mr. Crankpin stood 
before me, black with smoke, and smelling strongly of oil. 

“ Mr. Crankpin,” I said, in a low tone, so that no one 
should hear me, “ are your boilers making steam as fast as 
desirable ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ; they are doing all that I could wish.” 

“ And the machinery is in perfect order ? ” 

“ Every part is perfect.” 

“ And the coal. Does it burn well ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. Sends out as much heat as any that I ever 
used.” 

“ Then why is our speed slower than usual ? ” 

“ Don’t know, sir, unless it is the head sea, and the 
wind.” 

“ No ; the Belle can make ten knots an hour, even with 
a head sea and strong wind.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


897 


“ Certainly, she has done better, sir ; but at the present 
time I am doing all that can be done, and if you have any 
doubts on the subject, just send for my assistant, and see 
what he thinks on the subject ; or you can give him full 
charge of the engines, and I’ll retire.” 

“You will do nothing of the kind. I have confidence 
in you, and believe that you perform your duties as well 
as any man. Ah I that shows the gunboat is waking up, 
and disposed to try the effect of shot and powder.” 

The latter^art of my remark was caused by the report 
of a heavy gun on board the Federal vessel, the captain 
of which seemed disposed to see what could be done in 
the way of bringing us under his lee without the benefit 
of a long chase. I don’t know where the shot struck. 
The night was too dark to see. But I noticed that 
some of the passengers left the deck suddenly; while 
others, who had been under fire more than once, laughed 
at the shot, and the man who thought that he could hit a 
vessel that was bobbing about on a heavy sea, on a dark 
and stormy night, with only the glowing smoke-stack to 
aim at. 

“Let him waste his powder,” growled Bowmount. 
“He won’t hurt us by it.” 

I was not so sure of that ; for unless my eyes deceived 
me, the gunboat was gaining on us at such a rate, that in 
the course of two or three hours we should be imder his 
guns and sunk, unless we surrendered. 

“ If we are pressed too closely, do you want me to throw 
overboard some of the cotton that is stowed in the cabin 
and on deck ? ” j 

“ Not a single bale,” was emphatic remark. “ I’ll 
carry it all into port, or 1^11 sink it in the ocean, ship ana 
ah. No half ways for me. A big haul or none. Dog on 
me if that ain’t my course, now I tell yer.” 

“ All right,” I answered , and then turned to exchange 


m 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


a few words with Mrs. Gowen, who would persist in 
remaining on deck in preference to retiring. 

“ Is there danger of being taken ? ” she asked. 

“ I hope not,” I answered. 

“ You are not confident of escape ; ” and as she spoke 
he laid one of her hands on my arm. 

“ To tell you the truth, the Belle is not doing as well 
as we could hope.” 

“ Then there must be some reason for it,” the lady 
replied. 

And those words, thoughtlessly spoken, set me to think- 
ing ; and after a moment’s thought I determined to act. 
I called the mate to me, and told him to make a thorough 
examination of the steamer fore and aft, and see if all was 
right; and while he took the larboard side I took the 
starboard. We were both rewarded for our trouble be- 
fore we reached the wheels ; for, while I found a huge 
fender towing in the water, Mr. Cringle discovered that 
some sixty fathoms of a small hawser, which we had 
used while in dock, was towing overboard, although I 
could have sworn that it was nicely coiled up near the 
house. 

“ How did this get overboard ? ” roared the mate, 
whose rage was not confined to narrow limits when he saw 
the trick that had been played us. 

No one answered the direct question, although I could 
hear the men mutter how they would serve the rascal who 
had played us such scurvy tricks from the time we had left 
the wharf until the present. 

“ Lay hold of it, and rouse it in, some of you,” roared 
the mate. 

The men did so, and then secured the fender, while I con- 
tinued my walk forward, and was rewarded with another 
important discovery. I saw a rope hanging over the bow, 
and on attempting to haul it in, found that I coxild not do 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


899 


BO. A few moments’ investigation showed that a sail was 
attached to the rope, which the evil genius whom we had 
on board had managed to slip under our stem, and so 
impeded our progress all of half a knot per hour. I 
called to the men, and they came rushing forward. The 
strength of a dozen of them was required to haul the sail 
on board, and then we found that it was the forecastle 
awning, which had missed being stowed away, for some 
reason which the mate could not account for. Among 
those who were especially active in hauling in the sail and 
fender was the new hand, Dick Smith. He swore ven- 
geance on the scoundrel who would do such a dirty trick, 
and thought a search should be made fore and aft for the 
traitor. 

“ Some one is determined,” he said, “ to have us fall 
into the hands of the Yankees, and so share the prize- 
money; but I reckon he will miss it this time.” 

The man seemed so interested that I thought he was 
quite an addition to our crew, and so noticed him more 
than the others, and had half a mind to station him near 
the machinery, the part on deck, so as to be sure no one 
played pranks with it ; but some trifling thing prevented 
me, and I set a raw-boned Scotchman on the watch, with 
orders to cut down any one who dared to meddle with the 
works unless authorized to do so. ^ 

As soon as the drags were on board, the Belle appeared 
to recover her usual swiftness ; and this the Federal cruiser 
discovered in a short time, for he began to hammer away 
at us in the most lively manner, first with his bow-chasers, 
and then with his midship gun, a heavy Parrott, that sent 
shell after shell through the air, on each side of us, astern 
of us, and sometimes ahead of us. But none of his shots 
touched us, and the more he fired the more ground he lost ; 
and this was soon discovered by the captain of the gunboat, 
for he shut his ports, secured his guns, and crowded on aU 


400 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the steam that he could stand ; but still we dropped him, 
and even saved some of our power while doing so. 

At daylight the gunboat was hull down. W e could see 
nothing of her but her masts and smoke, and, as the wind 
and sea fell, even those were soon lost to view, and we 
were alone upon that part of the ocean. At sunrise the 
passengers once more assembled upon the deck, those who 
were not too sick, and drank gin-cocktails and coffee, and 
wished all manner of luck to the Confederates, and all 
sorts of confusion to the Yankees. The despatch-bearer, 
however, was rather glum, and did not participate in the 
festivities ; and once he said to me, with a sullen frown on 
his brow, that he almost wished the Belle had been taken , 
because, if such had been ^ the case, no one would have 
blamed him for the loss of his papers. 

“ Cheer up, old feller,” I said ; “ perhaps we shall yet 
find them before we reach Bermuda.” 

But the comfort I afforded was not of a substantial 
kind, and the agent mourned, and refused to be consoled. 
No accident occurred to us, and we saw no vessels except 
peaceable merchantmen, which gave us a wide berth, 
fearing, from our snake-like appearance, that we were on 
the privateer order, and so bound not to respect neutrals, 
or those who hoisted the English flag for the purpose of 
covering American bottoms. 

At length we sighted the reef-bound Island of Bermuda, 
and steered for St. George’s Harbor, where we took on 
board a pilot, who asked for two things as soon as he 
touched the deck — first, for a drink of ale or brandy, he 
did not care which ; secondly, the news. Had the confeds 
succeeded in establishing their independence ? God bless 
’em ! They were a noble-hearted people, and deserved 
to be free. Luff a little, so that we can clear the coral 
reef that runs out at this point. The taking of Fort 
Sumter was the greatest thing that ever happened in the 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 401 

world. W ere there any Yankee men-of-war in the harbor ? 
O, yes I there was one — the Stingeree, Captain S witchell. 
She had arrived the day before, and would remain a week 
or more ; although there was no telling what would 
happen, as the officers were close-mouthed fellows, and 
did not mix much on shore with the citizens or the officers 
of the garrison. 

Thus the pilot run on, till we dropped anchor not far 
from the Stingeree, whose officers were on the quarter- 
deck, and pretended to take no notice of us, although I 
have no doubt that it galled them in the most cutting man- 
ner to see a blockade-runner enter the port. In a few 
minutes we were surrounded by shore-boats, and into them 
aur passengers tumbled, bag and baggage, and so took 
leave of us without ceremony, as is customary at the end 
of all voyages, long or short. While the men were 
deserting us, I entered the cabin, and spoke to Mrs. 
Gowen. I saw that she had made no attempts to pack up 
her effects, and, in fact, appeared as calm as if she were at 
home. 

“ Shall you leave us this afternoon, Mrs Gowen ? ” I 
asked. 

“ Are you anxious for me to go ? ” she demanded, with 
a troubled face. 

“No.” 

“ Then let me remain on board for the present.” 

“ And your future plans. What of them ? Can you 
trust me with them?” 

“ I have no future,” she sighed ; and I saw tears in her 
eyes. 

“But you expect to join your husband here, do you 
not?” 

“ Perhaps I shall. I am not certain.” 

Further conversation was interrupted by Bowmount, 
who ealled me on deck on business ; but as 1 was leaving 
27 


402 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


the cabin, and in passing the mate’s state-room, I saw 
that the door was open. Glancing in, I saw, lying be- 
hind a chest, a bag that looked like the one the despatch- 
bearer had lost. 

It was the work of a moment to step into the room, and 
puU the bag from behind the chest, and examine it. I 
was convinced that it contained the lost despatches ; but 
how did it happen to be in the mate’s room ? This was a 
question that I could not answer, and I did not work at 
a solution of the mystery very long, for I seized on the 
bag, carried it to my own state-room, shut the door and 
locked it, and then out with a knife, and soon ripped the 
bag open. In it I found a tin box, but the lock yielded to 
a strong pressure, and then I was rewarded by the appear- 
ance of a dozen or more documents, addressed to various 
rebel agents in Europe. I did not have time to glance 
over the papers, even if I had desired to break the seals 
of the letters; so thrusting them into a safe, where I 
knew they would be secure, as I alone had the key, 
returned the carpet-bag and tin box to the place where I 
found them, and then went on deck, quite well satisfied 
with my five minutes’ work, yet still wondering who had 
stolen the despatches in the first place. 

I argued that some one would soon go for the bag, so as 
to get it on shore, and avail themselves of its contents ; 
and it struck me that the presence of a Federal gunboat 
in the harbor had something to do with the despatches. 
Word might have been sent from Charleston to the com- 
mander of the fleet that the Belle was intending to touch 
at Bermuda, and that an important bundle of documents 
would go on board of her in charge of a special messenger, 
fresh from Richmond. To be sure, I had tried to keep 
secret our destination, but the Kentuckian had more than 
once blurted out that Bermuda was the point we should 
aim at, and that he could obtain cash for all of his cotton 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


4H 


if he ouce landed it there. It was an easy matter to send 
word to the admiral, and more easy for him to despatch 
the Stingeree to the port we were expected to touch at, 
in hope that important documents would be placed in the 
hands of Captain Switchell. Even while I was turning 
these matters in my mind, I happened to glance at the 
quarter-deck of the Stingeree, and read, as plain as in 
print, a signal in the mizzen-rigging, which said, — 

“ If you have the papers, bring them on board as quick 
as possible.” 

The signals were not formed to express those very 
words, for only a little piece of red-and-blue bunting was 
hanging in the rigging ; but still it was intended to con- 
vey just what I have written, yet no one, unless acquaint- 
ed with the Union secret service could have made out of 
the little flag anything more than an innocent piece of 
bunting. 

“ Now,” I thought, “ here is a chance to discover the 
person who has done all he could to deliver us into the 
hands of the Union fleet.” 

But I looked in vain for an answer to the signal. As 
far as I could tell, no reply was returned ; although I 
noticed that Dick Smith, the new hand, jumped on the 
rail, and waved his hat several times ; yet, when I ordered 
him down, he said that he was bidding farewell to some 
of the passengers who were bound for the shore, full 
of fun and impudence. In less than an hour’s time I 
saw Dick Smith, with a jacket in his hand, walking 
towards the cabin. 

“ Now I have you, my man,” I thought, and watched 
the fellow like a cat watching a mouse. 

As Smith walked towards the cabin, the mate’s jacket 
hanging on his arm, I pretended not to notice him, for I 
saw him glance at me several times, as if wondering 
whether I would object to his coming aft. I did not 


404 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


eren look at the fellow, yet not one of his movementi 
escaped me. He entered the cabin, and I followed him. 
but not quick enough to notice if he looked behind the 
chest where the despatch-bag was concealed. He was 
placing the coat on a hook when I came upon him 
suddenly. 

“ Hollo, Smith ! ” I said, “ what are you doing here ? ” 

The man did not exhibit the least signs of disappoint- 
ment or surprise as he turned and faced me. 

“ Mr. Cringle told me to hang the jacket in his state- 
room, sir, and that is the reason I am here.” 

** You are sure that another motive did not induce you 
to come? ” I asked. 

“ I don’t know what you mean, sii*, unless it is that I 
wanted a glass of grog, and hoped you would give it to 
me if you saw me aft.” 

The man touched his cap in true man-of-war style, and 
smiled in so good-natured a manner that all of my sus- 
picions vanished in an instant, and once more I looked 
upon the fellow in the light of a true-hearted, careless 
sailor. 

“ You shall have your grog, if only for your impu- 
dence,” I said, and ordered one of the stewards to give 
the man a tot of whiskey. 

“ Your health, cap’n,” he said. “ You are one of the 
lucky men ; may it continue ! ” 

I did not like the tone in which the fellow spoke, yet 
there was nothing I could seize upon so that I could take 
him to task. It seemed to me as though a sneer was in- 
tended. 

Smith swallowed the liquor, and then said, — 

“I suppose, cap’n, that I’m free now. I can go on 
shore when I please, can’t I ? ” 

“ Yes, you know you shipped for the run. You can 
leave me this afternoon, if you like.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


405 


Thank you, cap’n, I think that I’ll go on shore with- 
out delay, and the next time we meet I hope that we 
shall be even.” 

What do you mean by that ? ” I asked a little sternly. 

“ Why, that I may be the skipper of a craft as large 
and as swift as the Belle.” 

“ O, yes ! I see.” 

“ That would make us equal, wouldn’t it, sir ? ” 

And the fellow grinned, and left the cabin, leaving me 
wondering where I had heard his voice and seen hia_ 
peculiar smile before. 

But all thoughts of Smith were banished from my mind 
by the duties which I was called upon to perform ; for 
the ship was crowded with shore people, eager, hungry 
Bermudians, who S3^mpathized with the South because 
they could make money by the operation, not on account 
of the justness .of the conflict. How the descendants of 
pirates and convicts did fawn upon us, praise us, and 
coax us for a chance to sell some of the tempting cotton 
that lumbered our decks ! They offered all manner of 
inducements, boasted of their harbor, their enterprise, 
ended b}^ drinking whiskey with Bowmount until one 
halfjof them were piled up under the dinner table, and the 
other half w^ere in a state of kissing and crying drunken- 
ness ; and in this condition they were sent on shore, 
where it is to be hoped they met with a warm reception 
at the hands of their indignant wives. 

But the result was that the cotton was sold at a most 
fabulous sum, all payable in gold, and the day that we 
commenced discharging, which was soon after we had en- 
tered port, I was on shore, in company with Mrs. Gowen, 
when whom should I meet, face to face, but my old 
acquaintance, Colonel Rhett, whom I had assisted in ob- 
taining a discharge from prison in Charleston. I could 
scarcely believe my eyes. I rubbed them, and then, sail- 
14 


406 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


or-like, was inclined to rate them for deceiving me. But 
there was no deception in the matter. Before me stood 
Colonel Rhett, with his white beard and white eyebrows, 
long gray hair and keen black eyes. Even the gold- 
headed cane, that looked so substantial and respectable, 
was in his right hand ; and when the Virginian saw me, 
he brought the cane down upon the ground with a ring, 
and an oath from his mouth. 

“ Well, I reckon we have met once more,” the colonel 
said, in a tone that was far from pleasant. 

In fact, I thought it was rather threatening than other- 
wise. 

“ Yes, colonel, we have met again, and I am very sorry 
for it, for I hoped never more see your ugly, treacherous 
face.” 

“ You are complimentary, sir. Hang me if you ain’t.” 

“ I don’t intend to be.” 

No ; I see you don’t. A man like you don’t stand 
on trifles, that is a fact.” 

“ Speaking of standing, will you be kind enough to 
stund out of my path, for I want to move on ? ” and as I 
spoke, I endeavored to pass on ; but the fellow was not 
in the humor to give way. 

“ Look a-here, Captain Barnwell,” Rhett said. “ You 
have crossed me at all points.” 

“ Well, how do you intend to help yourself? ” 

The colonel banged down his stick, and seemed inclined 
to take offence ; but concluded that he wouldn’t just then, 
so continued : — 

“ You have had wonderful luck, sir ; or else you bear 
a charmed life. AU plots against you have failed ; the 
best-laid schemes have been defeated. When we reck- 
oned that we had you sure, you would wriggle out of the 
net. How did you do it ? ” 

“ Do you want to know very bad ? ” 


RUNNING THE B1.OCKADE. 


40T 


“ Yes, sir ; I reckon I do.” 

“Well, then, listen and learn. Honesty has ever been 
my guide, my counsellor, my friend.” 

“ O, what blamed bosh I what nonsense I what trash ! ” 

Down went his stick to the ground, and once more 1 
attempted to pass him ; but the colonel was so urgent 
that I should remain and listen to him, I concluded to do 
so ; for I had foiled the old fellow so many times I could 
afford to joke a little with him, and bother him on matters 
of a purely personal nature. 

“ Even when I was taken from the deck of the Growler 
to that of the Belle you got the best of me.” 

“ Yes ; I recollect that you were not transported with 
joy when you found you were in the presence of a man 
whom you had attempted to injure.” 

“ True ; I didn’t know but you might give me a push 
overboard, to pay me for what I had done.” 

“ I suppose that you deserved such treatment ; but I am 
a gentleman, and not an assassin.” 

“ You came very near it, at any rate, when you took 
me by the throat, the night we entered Charleston.” 

And the colonel rubbed his neck as though it were still 
sore from the tremendous squeeze which I gave it. 

“ Do you know,” I said, “ that I am quite sorry I did 
not finish you on that occasion ? You deserved it, if 
ever a man did.” 

“You think so ? ” and the colonel smiled in a provok- 
ing manner. ^ 

“ I know so ; for I heard you plotting with that mu- 
latto, John, one day in your state-room. I did not hear 
enough to convince me that you meant treachery, b^it I 
was on^the watch for you, nevertheless.” 

“ But you did not watch me sharp enough to prevent 
me from swinging a lantern, and making other signs to 
the Federal fleet,” and the old wretch smiled in the most 
insulting manner. 


408 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“No, I did not ; but you had only a moment to wave 
your lantern ; then I think you went to the deck in a 
sudden manner, and only by my interference did you 
escape with life. In a moment more, had I not stayed 
him, the Kentuckian would have given you a taste of his 
bowie-knife.” 

“ That man is a demon,” the colonel said. “ He is 
worse than all other men. He is like a grizzly-bear, all 
teeth and claws ; and, curse him, he comes at you head 
first, tail first, sideways, and every other way, so that you 
don’t know how to receive him I had rather meet the 
imps than that same crazy, drunken Kentuckian.” 

“ I don’t blame you ; for some time he will break your 
neck, unless you keep clear of his course. He will never 
forgive you for your tricks on the night we run the 
blockade.” 

“ Ha, ha ! ” and the colonel laughed heartily. “If he 
knew all, he would have more of a grudge against me. I 
reckon he would cut me up into inch pieces, and feed me 
out to the dogs.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ Just this,” answered the colonel. “ I had the 
honor to take passage with you from Charleston to this 
port.” 

“ It is a lie,” I said. “ I did not see you on board dur- 
ing the passage.” 

“ O, yes you did ; and talked with me several times. 
In fact, Captain Barnwell, I made the signals to the Fed- 
eral fleet, and hailed it ; I sent up the rocket, and 
threw fenders over so that the Belle could not out-steam 
the gunboat ; and when I found that she was likely to do 
so, I pitched the awning over the bow, and would have 
smashed some part of the machinery if you had not set a 
watch so that I could not approach it without detection.” 

The scamp stood before me, and gi'inned in triumph at 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


409 


the recital of his treachery. I was so angry at what he 
said, that I put my hand in my bosom for the purpose of 
drawing a revolver, and shooting him dead on the spot ; 
but the scamp saw the motion, and divined the object. 

“ Don’t do that,” he said, in a cool tone ; “if you do, 
you will repent it. Recollect that you are not now in the 
Confederacy ; you don’t stand on Southern ground, and 
ain’t backed by rebel bayonets. Here I am as good as 
you : you are in Bermuda, and under the British flag. If 
I am shot, you will be hanged. Put up your revolver, 
and listen to me, for I have some disagreeable truths to 
tell you.” 

“ Confound you,” I replied, “ I have no desire to talk 
with you. Let me pass, or I fear I shall do you mis- 
chief.” 

“ I have no fear of it. Don’t keep your passions quiet, 
if you have the least inclination to curse. You can’t hate 
me more than I do you.” 

“ And on account of that hatred you tried to make me 
lose my ship.” 

“ Yes ; to pay you for the stripes which still grace my 
oack, and smart with every movement of my body. Do 
you think that I have forgotten your agency in the 
matter ? ” 

1 hope not.” 

“ Every time the stripes smart I remember you.*' 

“ I am glad of it, because every time I see a rope I 
think of your exertions to hang me, and how near you 
succeeded. You remember, I suppose ? ” 

“ Yes ; and I am sorry that I did not succeed. Curses 
' on my luck for the failure. A few minutes more, and I 
should have seen the last of you.” 

“You forget that I saved your life after it was forfeit- 
ed. That I took you from prison, even when you had not 
a frieivd to speak a good word for you. At least such 
kindness deserves a word of gratitude.” 


410 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ But I have none to give you. You are too successful 
to find favor in my eyes. From the first time I saw you I 
hated you.” 

“ And your hatred increased from the moment you saw 
your daughter’s friendship for me,” I said, with a smile. 

Confound you,” returned the venerable colonel, with 
an angry stamp of one of his feet, and a rap of his cane, 
“ did you never suspect that she was my wife, and not 
my daughter ? ” 

“ The deuce ! No, I never thought of such a thing. 
What possessed an old fool like you to marry such a 
young woman?” 

To my surprise, the colonel nearly exploded with laugh- 
ter, and only after he could command his face did he 
venture to reply to my sarcasm. 

“ You are smart. Captain Barnwell, but you ain’t so 
smart and so wise as you think for. You are pretty good 
looking, but you can’t come in.” 

“ Heaven forbid that I should disturb that serenity of 
mind which is so much needed in your venerable head. 
But I can’t stand here all day talking with you. Go and 
join your young and handsome wife, and may your days 
be long in the land. Give my regards to her when next 
you meet.” 

I once more attempted to pass on, but the colonel 
stopped me by the motion of his hands. 

“ Don’t leave me so soon,” he entreated, with a mock- 
ing smile. “ I want to tell you that I am as smart as you 
are, although you don’t seem to think so.” 

“ Prove it, sir ; and I’ll be convinced that your words 
are true. I make no pretensions to smartness, while you 
do. Go on. Let me hear what you have done.” 

“ I Trill ; because concealment is of no use any longer. 
I am ordered home, but before I leave you I will let you 
into a secret.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


411 


“ Good. Go on. I am listening.” 

“You know when I attempted to signalize the Union 
fleet, on entering Charleston Harbor ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“Well, that was the result of a conspiracy between 
John and myself. You know that John hated you a little 
worse than I did.” 

“ Yes ; I suspect that such was the case. But I care 
nothing for the matter.” 

“ But we annoyed you, nevertheless. We leagued to- 
gether to imprison you in the haunted house. There wo 
should have finished you, or given you up to the Yankees, 
if it had not been for that blamed Kentuckian.” 

“ I suppose that you were in favor of finishing,” I said. 

“ No ; I did not want to kill you, although John did. 
I reckon he would have knocked you on the head in short 
order if I had not persuaded him to keep still, and let the 
Yankees deal with you.” 

“ It was very kind on your part, and I am fearful that I 
shall never repay you,” I cried, still maintaining a con- 
temptuous coldness, that I saw annoyed the fellow more 
than downright rage. 

“ Perhaps not ; but still, let me tell you that you have 
precious little to be thankful for as far as I am con- 
cerned. I have done my best to annoy you, and failed. 
I own it.” 

“ Go on, and repeat some more of your rascalities. I 
should like to hear the rest of them.” 

“ You shall. When you released John and I from the 
Charleston prison, we laid our heads together.” 

“ I hope with no disagreeable result to either of you. 
With your heads together, I do not know which would 
fare the worse.” 

“ There spoke the South Carolinian,” said the old vaga- 
bond, with more than usual energy. “I never saw one 
from your State who did not hate a negro.” 


412 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


I could not refrain from laughing; for the remark 
showed that my secret was not even suspected by the 
Virginian. 

“I’m not an abolitionist,” the colonel continued ; “ but 
I have got some little feeling for the negro.” 

“ Look here, old fellow,” I cried, out of patience, “ are 
you a colonel in the confederate service, or what the world 
are you ? ” 

“ Didn’t you telegraph to Richmond, and find out who 
I was? I reckon I’m Colonel Rhett, of Virginia. If I 
ain’t, who the deuse am I ? ” 

“ That I should like to know. The telegraph said that 
you were all right ; but I don’t believe it at the same 
time.” 

The old scamp chuckled, and then rapped the ground 
quite smartly with his gold-headed cane, and said, — 

“ I’m on British ground, my friend.” 

“ Don’t call me your friend,’^most indignantly. 

“ Just as you please. I don’t suppose that I have 
acted a friendly part as far as you are concerned. But 
that ain’t here nor there. We are now talking of busi- 
ness.” 

“ Yes ; go on, and confine yourself to business.” 

“ I will ; for I want to take the conceit out of you, and 
show that you don’t know so much, and are not so smart 
as you think for.” 

“ Bah I you can’t surprise me.” 

“ Can’t I ? ” 

As the fellow spoke, he tore off the gray beard and hair 
from his head and face, and stood before me as Dick 
Smith, late foremast-hand on board the Belle. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


418 


CHAPTER XII. 

A. COMPLETE SURPRISE. — A UNION SPY. — AN INTER- 
VIEW WITH CAPTAIN SWITCHELL. - MBS. GOWEN AND 
HER HUSBAND. — A PAINFUL SCENE. — THE KENTUCK- 
IAN IN A NEW CHARACTER. — A TERRIBLE REVELA- 
TION. — THE KENTUCKIAN’S STORY. — MAGNOLIA’S HIS- 
TORY. — A SHARE OF THE PROFITS. — SALE OF THE 
BELLE. — MEETING OF OLD FRIENDS IN NEW YORK. — 
OFF FOR WASHINGTON. — PROMOTION TO THE BANK OF 
COMMANDER. — SMITH IS ASTONISHED. — A LITTLE LOVE- 
MAKING. — AN INTERRUPTION. — A STEEN PARENT. — 
TERMS. — AN AGREE ME NT. — A WEDDING. 

I MUST confess that I was more than surprised, I was 
most intensely astonished, to see the transformation of the 
gallant Colonel Rhett into the common sailor, Dick Smith, 
whom I had shipped in Charleston, owing to his urgent 
solicitations. I could hardly believe my eyes ; and I 
rubbed them to make sure I saw aright, and that it was 
no optical illusion. 

Still I did not speak, but looked at the grinning fellow ; 
and he looked at me with an impudent leer on his face, 
that spoke of triumph and success. 

“ You’re a little astonished, my sweet captain,” re- 
marked Colonel Rhett, alias Dick Smith. “ Why, even 
the Yankees at Bull Run were not so sui*prised and aston- 
ished as you are at this moment.” 

“ What are you,” I demanded ; “ a Confederate or a 
Federal ? a spy or a demon ? ” 

“ What should you think, my gallant captain ? ” asked 
the fellow, with a laugh. Don’t I look as though I 
''rould be most anything ? ” 

“ Yes.” 


414 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Well, then, I will tell you what I have been for the 
past six months; and hard work I found it, I assure you.^’ 
“ Tell on.” 

“ A Union spy,” 

“ The deuce you are ! ” 

And once more I was astonished ; for I saw at a glance 
how we had crossed each other, and fought each other, 
under the impression that each was rendering great ser- 
vice to the Federal cause. But the time had not yet ar- 
rived for me to betray my connection with the Unionists ; 
for I commanded the BeUe, and still associated with prom- 
inent rebels. So, when the colonel, alias Smith, told me he 
was a professional Union spy, I managed to assume a look 
intended for virtuous indignation, and thundered out, — 
“You scoundrel ! I have a great mind to shoot you ! ” 
Of course I had not the least intention of so doing ; but 
I put my hand in my breast pocket, as if feeling for a 
revolver. 

“ Don’t do it, my gallant captain,” cried Smith, who 
saw the movement, and knew from experience what it 
meant. “ You are not in South Carolina now, — you are 
on John Bull’s territory ; and if you shoot me you’ll be 
hung. Don’t doubt it; for a Yankee man-of-war is iit 
port, and would insist on justice.” 

“ Don’t be alarmed,” I said. “ I won’t hurt you.” 

“ O, I ain’t alarmed, my gallant captain. I have run 
too many risks to be alarmed at an angry threat. I have 
carried my life in my hand for many months, and have 
had some wonderful escapes from the cord and bullet. 
To be sure,” the fellow continued, in a tone that showed 
he was sincere, “if we were alone, and in some place 
where the law would let us up, I wouldn’t mind taking a 
crack at you, with revolvers, at ten paces, provided you 
felt a little aggravated at me for what I have done.” 

“You have played a bold game,” I remarked, “and 
have lost. You tried to secure the capture of my ship ; 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


415 

but failed through my vigilance. I am safe in port, and 
in future will take care that no such sailor as you ships 
in mv craft.” 

“ You may be as cautious as you please ; but Uncle Sam 
is powerful, and has many arms and many eyes. In spite 1 
of your efforts, he will know what you are doing.” f 

While the man was speaking, I made one of my secret J 
service signs ; but there was no response. Three times 1 j 
tried him, and failed to elicit a reply ; so I came to the ' 
just conclusion, that Smith was a volunteer spy, and not 
attached to the higher order of secret service, such as I i 
had undertaken at the request of President Lincoln and ; 
Secretary Welles. 

Tnen we separated, the spy going in one direction, and 
I in another ; but I had not walked along forty fathoms 
before who should I stumble on but a young friend. Mid- 
shipman Reefpoint, looking as fresh and handsome as 
when I first met him. The boy saw me, and would have 
run towards me and offered his hand, if I had not made a 
sign which he understood. It informed him that I did not : 
wish to speak to him on the street, in sight of so many j 
eager, jealous Bermudians. ! 

“All right,” he replied, with an almost imperceptible •' 
nod of his head ; but as he passed me he whispered, — j i 
Let me see you for a moment — can’t you ? ” j 

“ Yes,” I replied. “ Follow me. 

I led the way towards a second-class house, where ' i 
mates and petty officers of men-of-war congregated when j, 
on snore, off duty. I knew that I could there find a room M 
and a glass of ale, and that we could talk without being j 
disturbed, if we were lucky. Harry followed me into the j; 
house, up one flight of stairs, into a room that was small : ■ 
and uncomfortable ; but it overlooked the harbor, and an- 1, 
swered our purpose. Just as we sat down, I saw Captaic 
Switchell, of the Growler, land, and walk up the street 


416 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


a proceeding that called forth some few groans from the 
fun-loving Bermudians, who, like John Bull and the rest 
of his tribe, were extremely neutral during the war. 

“Now, Reefpoint,’’ I said, as I shook hands with the 
young man, “ tell me how you managed to reach the 
fleet.” 

“We had a tough time of it, but made our escape, after 
some risk and danger. Your welcome information was 
well received by the admiral, and saved the fleet, I have 
no doubt. But — ” 

Just at this moment a noise was heard on the stairs. 
Then the door of our room was burst open ; and into the 
apartment tumbled Captain Switchell, and Smith, the 
Union spy, with the first lieutenant of the Growler. 

As Captain Switchell, and Smith, the spy, entered the 
room, Reefpoint and I started to our feet, surprised at 
the interruption ; for no warniug had been given that we 
were to receive callers, and we could not comprehend 
what was meant by the intrusion. 

Smith was the first to speak ; and when he did open his 
mouth he revealed his purpose in so decided a manner 
there was no misunderstanding him. 

“ Captain Switchell,” said the spy, “ I have brought 
jrou here to let you see that one of your officers is holding 
i close and confidential conversation with one of the most 
iangerous rebels of the South. I know him, sir, as a rebel 
md as commander of the blockade-runner Belle, now ly 
ng close under the guns of your ship.” 

Captain Switchell, his fat, red face steaming with per- 
ipiration, the effect of unusual exertions and the warm sun 
jombined, had been staring at me from the moment he 
mtered the apartment, his eyes expressing astonishment, 
.nd his huge mouth open to its widest extent, as though 
' le was thinking by its aid and tasting treason. For a mo- 
aent he did not speak, for his gaze wandered from Reef- 

1 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


417 


point to me, and then from Smith to the lieutenant, and 
from their faces to the table, to see if there was anything 
on it of a liquid nature. 

Smith noticed that Captain Switchell did not speak ; so 
made another remark, calculated to draw him out. 

“ I tell you, captain, this man is a dangerous one,” 
— he pointed to me while he spoke, — “ and he is attempt- 
ing to corrupt one of your young and inexperienced 
officers.” 

Then Captain Switchell, who had recovered his pres- 
ence of mind, it seemed, no longer kept silent, for he 
roared out a hoarse sort of chuckle, that was intended 
for a laugh ; but it was such a laugh as a sea-lion would 
have uttered when in a jovial mood. 

Inexperienced ! ” cried the captain, with another 
chuckle. “ Why, hang it, man ! an old head is on those 
young shoulders ; and I defy all the rebs. in Dixie or out 
of it, to corrupt him.” , 

And then the captain gave* me a wink, and made a 
sign to keep quiet, and that he would make matters all 
right. 

“You don’t know Captain Barnwell as weU as I do,” 
said the spy, in an appealing tone. “ I have had so 
much to do with him that I understand him most thor- 
oughly.” 

“ O, belay that,” returned the captain. “ The master 
of the blockade-runner don’t look so bad, after all ; and 
I’ll lay a wager he was not talking treason with Mr. 
Reefpoint. Come, I’ll bet the wine that he was not ; and 
I’ll leave it to Captain Barnwell to decide.” 

“ On my word of honor I was not,” I replied. 

“ And on my word of honor he did not mention poli- 
tics,” cried Master Reefpoint, with so much earnestness, 
that I could not avoid laugiiing; which circumstance so 
surprised Smith, aliaB Rhett, Vvlio liad expected to see me 
28 


418 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


humbled by the presence of Captain Switchell, that he 
remarked, in a surprised tone, — 

“ It appears to me that I have made a mistake in con 
veying my information. Had I known that Captain 
Switchell did not care for the reputation or temptation of 
one of his officers, I should have held my peace.” 

“ Bah I ” retorted the captain, with an internal chuckle 
that sounded as though a number of men were at work 
rousing up a chain-cable in his interior arrangements. 
“Bah! Don’t be suspicious of everyone. We are now 
in a neutral port ; and it won’t do to board every craft 
that we fall in with. Put aside all hard feeling, and let 
us see if this crib can furnish us with a bottle of claret ; 
for I’m almost roasted, and dry as a marine.” 

Smith looked disappointed, and a little hurt, when he 
odw the turn matters had taken. 

“ If you don’t want to foil rebels, after they are pointed 
owt, I must carry* my news to another market.” 

And with these words Smith left the room, although he 
^«d return, poking his head in at the door, and firing a 
^)arting shot. 

“ I don’t have much hard feeling against Captain Barn- 
well because he’s a rebel, bound to make things tell, and 
put money in his pocket, and it’s all in his line; but 
when there is a chance to squelch such a man, it should be 
done at once.” 

He closed the door, and was off; and then Captain 
Switchell opened a bottle of claret that the landlord had 
brought, filled the glasses, emptied his own, and re- 
marked, — 

“ How in the fiend’s name did you manage to escape 
the blockading fleet ? Ships were all around you, I am 
told ; and yet you went through them like a race-horse. 
How was it done ? That’s what I should like to know.” 

“ It was tlirough luck.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


419 


** Thunder I Don’t you think that it would have been 
» little better for some of our brave tars to have clapped 
their paws on you, and shared the prize money ? ” 

“ I can’t say that I see matters in that light.” 

“ If I only knew how far your instructions lead you,” 
mused the captain, “ I might tell whether I thought yon 
had done wrong or right.” 

The captain wanted to discover if I had authority for 
doing what I had done ; just the information I did not 
wish him to possess. 

“ The end more than justified the means,” I answered , 
“so we will not discuss the subject. Mr. Reefpoint tells 
me,” I continued, changing the conversation, “ that the 
information he was enabled to bring did good service to 
the Federal fleet.” 

“ I believe you, my boy. Without it we should have 
had to raise the blockade ; for we should have been taken 
by surprise.” 

“ I hope you will impress upon the navy department 
the distinguished services of Mr. Reefpoint. I tell you, in 
his presence, he displayed af’gallantry and courage, while 
in Charleston, that should entitle him to promotion. He 
put his head into a noose, and deserves thanks and grati- 
tude for getting it out safe.” 

“ And what do you deserve for the risk you have run ? ” 
demanded Captain Switchell. 

“ O, I ,have no doubt but that I shall be rewarded in 
the course of time,” was my indifferent answer. 

Well, I hope so ; although promotion ain’t rapid in 
the United States navy. But, to come home, and talk of 
other matters, do you know what I was sent here for ? ” 

“I imagine that it is for the purpose of receiving 
some despatches which my ship was to bring from 
Charleston.” 

Yes : mighty important things I was told, they were.” 


420 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ And have you got them ? ” 

“No ; and what is more, Smith, who shipped with you 
for the purpose of stealing them, did manage to secure 
them, but lost all in some unaccountable manner. So I 
made the trip to this den of sympathizers for nothing.” 

“ I am sorry for it.” 

“ So am I ; for it would have been a feather in my cap, 

I assure you. Certain promotion would have been the re- 
sult of placing those despatches in the hands of Mr. 
WeUes.” 

“ Then I don’t think that I would despair. If you 
will promise that you will do all in your power to get Mr. 
Reefpoint a lieutenant’s commission — ” 

“ O, kind and generous-hearted friend ! ” murmured the 
midshipman, with a voice choked with emotion. 

“ I will place those coveted despatches in your hands 
between now and sundown,” I said, finishing the remark 
which I had commenced, and which Mr. Reefpoint had 
prevented me from completing. 

“ Hang me if I don’t do it I ” cried the hearty sailor 
in a burst of enthusiasm. “ Give me the documents ; and 
I’ll stir heaven and earth but the lad shall have his swab. 
And now tell me how it is to be done.” 

“ Ask no questions, but meet me here this afternoon, 
and you shall have the papers.” 

“ I’ll do it ; and an hour after they are in my hands, .1 
shall steam out of the harbor.” 

And, with this assurance. Captain Switchell and I shook 
hands, and parted ; and then I had a chance to exchange 
a few more words with Ree^oint. 

“ You wid soon be home,” I said, “ and perhaps will 
have a chance to run on to Boston. If you do, see Miss 
Blank, and tell her that she is not entirely forgotten.. 
Speak as well of me as you can, but do not hint to het 
that I have been blockade-running.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 421 

“ I understand. Everything shall be made lovely as 
far as you are concerned.” 

“ And do not distress the young lady with the knowl- 
edge that her father is running any risks for the sake of 
adding to his fortune.” 

“You can be assured of that. I like my cousin too 
well to say one word to her that would cause her the 
least uneasiness. She is one of the best girls I ever saw ; 
and I hope will look with favoring eyes upon a certain 
gentleman whose kindness I shan’t forget in a hurry.” 

And with a smile the lad turned away, and I hastened 
on board the Belle. The first person I met was Bow- 
mount, who was, to my surprise, perfectly sober. 

“ Look a-here, old fellow,” he said, “ I’ve sold all the 
cotton at a big figure, cash down, on the nail, and all in 
gold. We shall make a big vige, — the best one that ever 
entered the port, by all odds ; and I tell you, Barnwell, 
dog on me, if I don’t feel as though I had almost got 
enough. Shucks ! you may think that I’m jokin’ ; but it’s 
the case.” 

I did not reply to the remark, but thought that I would 
let theKentuckian take his own course until I got ready 
to lay out mine, which was already defined in my own 
mind. Ilov ever, just as Bowmount was about to explain, 
a shore boat ran alongside ; «and up the accommodation- 
ladder came a gentleman, who, after he reached the deck, 
I recognized as Mr. Gowen, the husband of my hand- 
some cabin passenger. 

“ Your sarvant, sir,” said Bowmount. “ This is an un- 
expected pleasure, sir. What can we do for you, sir ? ” 

“ I hear that Mrs. Gowen is on board ; and I have come 
to see if such is the case. Business called me most unex- 
pectedly from Nassau to Bermuda ; but I did not think 
of meeting my wife here.” 

“ Yes, sir ; the lady is on board. And delighted enough 


422 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


she will be to see you. Shucks I she’ll be so pleased 
she’ll shed tears of joy.” 

And the Kentuckian, with a sneer on his lips, and a 
smile on his face, lighted a cigar, and walked aft, leaving 
Mr. Gowen a little unsatisfied with the position of affairs ; 
for he turned to me, and said, — 

“Will you let the steward announce that I am on 
board ? ” 

“ Certainly.” 

One of the stewards happened to come aft just at that 
moment ; so I told him to tell Mrs. Gowen that her hus- 
band desired to see her. 

Five, ten minutes elapsed, and still the lady did not ap- 
pear on deck. Mr. Gowen manifested some impatience. 
He could not keep still, but wandered about in a listless 
manner. At length, seeing that he was growing angry, 
I entered the lower cabin to speak to the lady, and found 
her on her knees, her head on a table, weeping most bit- 
terly, while her servant was addressing the mistress in 
words of comfort and encouragement. 

“ Missus feels powerful bad, sar,” said the negro ser- 
vant, who had accompanied Mrs. Gowen from Charleston, 
and really loved the lady. 

“ For what reason ? ” 

“ Can you ask ? ” demanded the lady ; and she raised 
her tear-stained eyes to my face. “ Mr. Gowen is here to 
claim me. He will insist that I shall accompany him, and 
live with him.” 

“ He is your husband,” I said. “ You must see him. 
He is impatient for an interview.” 

“ I suppose that I must meet him,” she sighed. 

“ Then wipe your eyes, and go on deck, and greet 
Mr. Gowen ; or would you prefer to see him in the 
cabin? ” 

In the cabin,” she replied ; and then, by the aid of a 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 426 

damp towel, she removed the traces of tears, and motioned 
to me that she was ready for the interview. 

“ You will remain near me, and protect me if violence 
is offered,” Mrs^ Gowen said, as we entered the outer 
cabin. 

“ If you wish it, yes.” 

“ I do wish it. Mr. Gowen has a most ungovernable 
temper. He is accustomed to have his own way ; and the 
least opposition makes him furious. Remain near me and 
save me from violence.” 

“ I will. And woe be to him if he offers the least rude- 
ness.” 

I left her in the cabin, and went on deck. 

“ Mrs. Gowen is ready to see you,” I said. 

“ Well, she was a long time about it,” was his reply. 

And into the cabin he went, I following close to his 
heels. 

“ Magnolia ! ” he cried, and opened his arms ; but she 
did not rise from her chair to receive him. 

He suddenly stopped, and looked at her in a surly 
manner. 

“ What kind of a reception is this? ” he asked. “ What 
does it mean ? ” i 

“ It means that I can no longer live with you as your - 
wife,” was the answer, delivered in a firm tone, but with- 
out the least display of passion. 

“ Magnolia,” he said, after a moment’s silence, “ are you 
aware of what you are saying ? Have you considered the : 
whole matter ? ” 

“Yes: I have considered all things. I have done but 
little more than think of my past life during the last two 
weeks.” } 

“You are mad,” Mr. Gowen said, in a tone that was 
deep and stern ; “ utterly mad and foolish.” 

“ No, I am in my senses, if I ever was,” she answered, |! 
La a low tone. 


4^1 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, 


I did not like to remain, and listen to their conversation ; 
yet I had promised to be present during the interview, so 
that I could assist her, in case her husband gave way to 
his usual sudden bursts of passion, which only a resolute 
man could encounter. Neither party seemed to take the 
least notice of me. I retreated, and entered my state- 
room, leaving the door open, and ready to go to the 
lady’s assistance, in case she required it. From the posi- 
tion which I occupied I could hear all that passed, and see 
the parties at the same time. 

“ No,” answered the lady, with a grave smile, and a 
sad shake of her head ; “I am not mad now : but I have 
been nearly mad for three long years.” 

“ Well, then, what is to be the final result of all this 
nonsense ? Do you expect me to put up with it ? ” de- 
manded the man imnatienl-y/* 

‘‘ No ; I expect nothing at your hands. If we separate, 
it will be in peace, and without promises on either side.” 

“ And how do you expect to live without my aid ? ” 

“ I can work. I am a good musician, can embroider, 
teach French, school, or even play the nursery maid.” 

“ All very fine ; but you can’t return to the South. 
You know that if you did, I could detain you at any time 
we chanced to meet.” 

“ And would you do so ? ” she demanded. 

“ I would.” 

“ Then I will go North, where protection is afforded all 
such unhappy creatures as I am.” 

“ But you can’t go without revealing your secret.” 

“Would you reveal it?” demanded the lady, with 
more excitement than she had yet manifested. 

“ I would, so help me Heaven ! ” 

“ Have you no mercy ? ” pleaded the lady. 

And I thought her voice was tremulous, as though her 
eyes were filled with tears. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 




“ None in this respect. You have resolved to leave me ; 
and I am resolved to keep you if possible, even if I have 
to make a clean breast of it.” 

“ O, my God ! ” the lady cried, and wrung her hands, as 
if with the most bitter anguish. 

“ Besides, you must remember that I have the law to 
aid me ; and even in these islands the law is powerful, 
and has a powerful arm.” 

“ But the law is powerless in your case,” said a deep 
bass voice. 

And into the cabin walked the Kentuckian, with such 
a look upon his face that even I was surprised at its 
expression. 

For a moment the lady and gentleman were too aston- 
ished to speak ; but at last Mr. Gowen, who still remem- 
bered the treatment which he had experienced at the 
hands pf Bowmount at Nassau, and, therefore, feared his 
evil temper, spoke : — 

“ I am talking to my wife, sir^ and requesting her to 
go with me. In a few minutes we will have left your 
vessel.” 

“ That is, if the woman is willing,” said the Kentuck- 
ian. “ If she ain’t willin’, shucks I you know she can’t 
go.” 

“ Then Mrs. Gowen will' speedily tell you that she is 
anxious to go on with me. Speak, my dear, and let him 
htobT such words from your own lips.” 

Yes ; I’d like to hear ’em.” 

And the Kentuckian canted his head one side, as if to 
listen. 

“ I do not wish to go with Mr. Gowen,” the lady said, 
in a tone so distinct and firm that no one could misunder- 
stand her. 

“ Then you shall go with me,” said the husband, in a 
rage. “ I’ll let vou know that I’m master, and that I will 


4M RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

be obeyed. You belong to me ; and I will have you, if 1 
have to spend ten thousand dollars in the effort.” 

“ Softly,” cried the Kentuckian. “ Let’s see how you 
is going to get her from this ship unless she is a mind to 
go. Barnwell,” he continued, calling me from the state- 
room, “ come here, and see about this.” 

“ He must hear all, know all,” said the Kentuckian, in 
a low, firm tone. “ I have kept your secret most faith- 
fully, even from a man what I likes as well as if he was 
my own brother, father, wife, or children, all crowded into 
one. Now it must come out ; ’cos why, it’s the only way 
to save you.” 

And then he turned to Mr. Gowen, and continued : — 

“ You say that this woman is yer wife ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ; I claim her as such.” 

“ Very good. Jist fork over yer sartificate, so that I 
can tell if yer was married in form.” 

“ I have no certificate with me.” 

“ Whar was yer married ? ” demanded the Kentuckian. 

“ Is that any of your business ? ” Mr. Gowen asked. 

“ Never you mind. You jist answer all the questions 
what I puts to you. Now, whar was you married ? ” 

“ O, save me I spare me I ” moaned the lady. 

“ I shall not answer the question,” was the sullen re- 
joinder. 

“ Very well. Then you needn’t. We comes, now, to 
the next p’int. What was the name of the parson what 
married you ? Come, I knows most all the parsons in 
Georgia ; and if you tell me, I may recollect his name.” 

Another sob from Mrs. Gowen, and a sullen look from 
the husband. 

“ You won’t tell ? ” demanded the Kentuckian. “ O, 
very well. How does you s’ pose that you can get your 
wife unless you prove that she is your wife ? ” 

“ By the law.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


427 


“ The law be hanged ! You jist try it on, and see how 
you makes it. I’ve had some experience in law, during 
my long and eventful life ; and I know that the law won’t 
affect you much.” 

“ A writ of haheaB corpus will not be disregarded on 
board this vessel, I take it,” Mr. Gowen intimated. 

“ Jist try it on, and see,” was the reply. “ You bring 
your habeas corpus on board this ship, and you’ll find more 
than one corpse round here, noW I tell you. I don’t want 
to be violent, ’cos I’m in a friendly and neutral port ; but 
hang me if you wouldn’t see sights arter you shake a law 
paper in my face. But few men would dare do it, even 
in old Kentuck ; and that is a State what can show some 
tough cases.” 

“ I don’t wish to provoke your ire,” said Mr. Gowen, in 
a tone that was intended to be conciliatory ; “ but you 
must acknowledge that I want my wife.” 

“ We admit that,” the Kentuckian said ; “ but prove to 
us that the woman is your wife.” 

“ Spare me I O, spare me I ” murmured the lady. 

And she cast upon me such a look of anguish that I 
pitied her, and would have saved her feelings if it had 
been possible. 

“We has opened the sore,” cried the Kentuckian; 
“ and now we must cleanse it, even if we does cause 
pain. It is the best thing that we can do. Don’t you 
think so, mum ? ” addressing Mrs. Gowen. 

“ God only knows ! I don’t,” was the subdued answer. 

“ Mr. Gowen,” said Bowmount, “ you had better go on 
shore, and let the woman take what course she sees 
proper to take. She don’t seem to have much love for 
you , so it is better that you should part.” 

“You have a cool way of separating man and wife,” re- 
torted the visitor. 

“ O, shucks I ” cried the Kentuckian, in a tone of con- 


428 RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

tempt. “ This thing has been goin’ on long enough. I 
can’t hold in no longer, no how. I didn’t want to spe^k 
it ; but you know that you ain’t married to this woman at 
all ; now don’t you ? ” 

A wild shriek on the part of the lady, and her hands 
went up to her face ; and then both hands and face were 
buried in her lap ; but the sobs which she uttered were 
like stabs in my heart ; and I would have gone forward, 
and assisted her, in spite of my surprise, if Bowmount had 
not motioned me to remain where I was. 

‘‘ I don’t like to see a woman cry, or hear one cry,” the 
Kentuckian continued ; “ but in this instance I must 
speak, ’cos it is for the good of all of yer.” 

While the Kentuckian was speaking, I stole a look at 
Gowen’s face, and saw that it did not manifest that indig- 
nation which would have appeared had the words uttered 
a moment before been false. He seemed a little surprised, 
but nothing more. 

“You have made a grave statement,” Mr. Go wen said. 
“ Perhaps you can’t prove it.” 

“ By your own lips will I prove it. I didn’t want to 
let on about it, dog on me if I did I but when you talk 
of takin’ the woman out of the ship by a corpus^ then it’s 
time for me to talk, and to talk to the p’int, now I tell 
yer.” 

“ The woman is mine, — my wife,” said Mr. Go wen. 

“ O, what a lie 1 Come, your game is up. The rig is 
run out. The woman is free to go or stay, just as she 
pleases.” 

“ She is not free to do as she pleases,” responded Mr. 
Gowen. 

“ Don’t you provoke me, old feller ; ’cos I can’t stand 
it. I’m as playful as a kitten ; but hang me if I stand 
everything I ” 

Suddenly Mrs. Gowen arose, and looked as though she 
had made up her mind on an important subject. 










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RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


429 


“ There is no need of quarrelling about me,” she said. 
“ I’m not worth the hot words which you would utter. 
Don’t let my presence be the means of involving you in 
trouble. I will go on shore, and end the strife.” 

“ Well said I ” cried Mr. Go wen. “ I knew you wouldn’t 
desert me, Magnolia.” 

“ It is not well said,” the Kentuckian remarked. “ Sht 
don’t utter them words ’cos she wants to go ; and, by the 
living jingo I she shan’t go. I say that, and I mean it.” 

“You must have a greater claim on the lady than my- 
self,” Mr. Go wen remarked, “ if such is the case.” 

“ I haven’t any claim on her ; but I see that she don’t 
want to go with you, and that’s enough. She ain’t your 
wife ; you will admit that.” 

“ Well, suppose I do admit it ? ” 

“ And she ain’t your persisted the Kentuckian. 

Mrs. Gowen uttered sob after sob, and once more cov- 
ered her face with her hands. 

Mr. Gowen looked at the Kentuckian, and then, to my 
intense astonishment, deliberately said, — 

“ She is my slave ; and in my pocket I hold a bill of 
sale, signed by the heirs of old Colonel Grantly, of Geor- 
gia. You may have heard of the man.” 

“ Yes, I have heard of him,” responded the Kentuckian, 
in a tone that sounded to me more mournful than any- 
thing I ever heard from his lips. 

As soon as Mr. Gowen had uttered the word “ slave,” 
the lady dropped her head, and fell back, perfectly in- 
sensible. I was taken so much by surprise, so shocked, 
that a minute or two must have elapsed before I re- 
gained my presence of mind and went to her assistance. 
When I did start forward, and raised the poor thing’s 
head, the Kentuckian, with more feeling than I ever gave 
him credit for, remaiked, — 

“ That’s right, Barnwell. Handle her as gently as you 


430 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


would a two-year-old eolt that promises to make a racer. 
Give her a little water, and then swab her mouth and 
nostrils with some weak wine.” 

His advice showed that the rough genius was more fa- 
milial’ with stables than a lady’s boudoir. 

I did give the lady some weak wine, and was enablc<l 
to restore her ; but she seemed to suffer so much that ( 
doubted whether I had performed an act of kindness. 

As soon as she could speak, or even whisper, she looked 
at me with such a mournful glance that it cut me to the 
heart. 

“ O God I what will you think of me ? ” she moaned. 

“ Is that man’s statement true ? ” I asked. 

“ It is true,” was the reply. “ I am his slave. He 
bought me just as he would a dog, or a horse. O, the 
misery of realizing that you can be bartered like an 
inanimate thing ! 0, how you must despise me ! ” 

“ No ; far from it. Do not think so meanly of me a? 
all that. If you have been a slave, you are one no longer. 
From this moment you are free.” 

“ Yes ; that’s so, Barnwell,” the Kentuckian replied, 
“ If she was never free afore, she is now.” 

“ Let him relate my whole history, or what he knows 
of it ; then you will see that I have been wicked, but not 
voluntarily,” Magnolia said. 

“ I’ll do it ; ’cos I know it wiU interest Barnwell and 
the man what claims her. Hey, Go wen? Well, don’t 
get mad, and tear yer shirt ; ’cos it’s no use. You jist 
listen to me, and be edicated and enlightened.” 

Mr. Gowen made a motion of impatience ; but it did 
not affect the Kentuckian, who lighted a cigar, in the 
most deliberate manner, as though through its aid his 
thoughts would flow more freely, and he could tell his 
story with less embarrassment. 

“ Now,” said Bowmount, after taking one or two puffs 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


431 


at the cigar, and finding it? was well lighted, “ I am all 
ready to begin my yarn. Six years ago, I think, while 
I was in South Carolina on business, selling mules and 
other truck, and pickin’ up money here and there, I saw 
there was to be an auction sale at a plantation some ten 
miles from Charleston. So I thought I’d go and see if I 
could make a thousand dollars, buying stock or land. 
When I got to the plantation, there warn’t many people 
there, for some reason or other ; and I thought I should 
have some nice bargains ; but, shucks ! there warn’t any 
thing worth pickin’ up, except a few slaves, and them I 
didn’t want. In fact, the old plantation was all run out, 
’cos the owner and his sons had paid more attention to 
whiskey drinkin’ and hoss-racin’ than to cultivatin’ cot- 
ton and rice.” 

The Kentuckian puffed away at his cigar for a moment, 
while the rest of us remained silent, anxious listeners to 
his story. 

“ Wall, you see,” the Kentuckian continued, “ I didn’t 
want to buy the niggers, ’cos none of ’em was promisin’ ; 
and I was jist about to mount my boss, and go back to 
the city, when the auctioneer said that he had a prize to 
offer, and we had better stay and see it. I did remain ; 
but most of the fellers cut off, and raced their horses back 
to town.” 

Another puff of the cigar, and a sob from Magnolia. 

“ Arter I had waited a bit, the auctioneer led for’ard a 
little girl, not more’n fourteen years of age, and as white 
as I am.” 

I looked at the Kentuckian, and did not think that 
indorsement amounted to much ; for Bowmount was 
dark and bilious. Another sob, still more violent from 
Magnolia. 

“ I liked the looks of the little thing,” continued Bow- 
mount ; “for she appeared so innocent like, so timid, and 

29 


482 


RJIINING THE BLOCKADE. 


fthe cried like a little baby. I saw at a glance that she 

was white as the darter of the owner of the place, and I 
s’posed that he wouldn’t let her be bid on ; but the chap 
hadn’t any heart ; for the auctioneer said she must be 
sold, and axed for an offer.” 

Another long pause, and a more vigorous puflSng of the 
cigar. Magnolia still bowed her head, and listened to the 
Kentuckian’s yarn. 

“ An old chap, what didn’t look none too good,” con- 
tinued the Kentuckian, “ bid one thousand dollars for the 
child ; and then I called fifteen hundred, and the other 
chap two thousand, and that made me mad. The old 
Kentuck blood began to tell. I looked at the pretty little 
gal, and thought that I would go it blind but I would 
have her ; so I jist called out three thousand dollars, and 
that brought her. The old cuss couldn’t rake down the 
pile. She was mine.” 

Another long puff, and a sob from Magnolia. 

“The gal what I bought that day now sets there. 
She’s a woman, n'>w, and can tell if I warn’t a kind mas- 
ter. Speak, Magnolia, and let ’em hear the words from 
yer own lips.” 

“ You were always kind to me,” she managed to say. 

“ Thank you for that. Magnolia. If I warn’t kind to 
you, I’m sure I tried to be, in my own rough way ; al- 
though when we first met, at the dinner table at Nassau, 
when you riled me, by sneering at the Yankees, I did cut 
up kinder strong ; ’cos I didn’t know you then, and I 
reckon you didn’t know me. You had kinder outgrown 
me. Wasn’t that so ? ” 

“ Yes,” the lady murmured. “ I did not once think 
of you until you had smashed the glass in Mr. Gowen’s 

face.” 

“ Well, we’U let them things go ; and I’ll finish my 
yam. You know. Magnolia, that arter I had bought you, 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


43S 


and paid for you, I didn’t know what to do with you. I 
didn’t have no wife, and so couldn’t let you tend her ; 
so as I didn’t have no gals of my own to look after, I' 
kinder thought I’d treat her as if she was my child. 
Barnwell, I’m rough and tough, but I ain’t quite so bad 
as some men, now is I ? ” 

“ No, I don’t think you are,” was the response. 

“ Thank you for that. It kinder does a man good, some- 
times, to have a compliment. It tickles him almost as 
much as a young gal what has jist got her fust real live 
lover. But let us haul up on the track, and trot back to 
the subject. And I suppose most of it is new to Mr. 
Gowen.” 

“ Yes, it is,” responded that gentleman, who had lis- 
tened with much patience to the narrative. 

“ So I thought ; and I’ll amble on. Wall, I took the 
gal with me to Charleston ; and I said to a woman what 
cut out clothes, and sich fixens for gals, to dress her up in 
all that was needed to make her comfortable and nice. 
And that woman did it ; and when she was dressed, she 
looked nice enough to be the darter of the best white man 
in the land, and I had many a chap ax me if she was my 
own child, and if she had, I’d been proud of her, now I 
teU yer. You remember, don’t you, Magnolia ? ” 

“ Yes,” in a faint whisper. 

“ Well, arter she was dressed, I took her to old Ken- 
tuck ; and then I sent her to school, where she had music, 
and all manner of sich like advantages. She studied for a 
year ; and she jumped ahead, in all manner of lamin’, 
like a young colt what has just been trained. 0 I she 
was a wonder, now I tell yer.” 

The Kentuckian lighted a fresh cigar, smoked for a few 
minutes in silence, and then resumed : — 

“Now comes the worst part of my yarn, and the only 
portion I’m ashamed of. One day, a Mr. Dabney, of 




434 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Georgia, an old man, and I beKeve a good one, was visiting 
me; and he seed Magnolia. He said that he took a 
fatherly likin’ to the gal, and wanted her. He would 
give me twice what I had paid for her ; ’cos he wanted 
her for his daughter, only as a companion. I refused ; but 
the old gentleman kept urging, and, at last, agreed to 
give me five thousand dollars for the gal; and then he 
swore a solemn oath that when she was eighteen years of 
age he would let her free, and give her a start in the 
world, or, if he died before that, he would leave her free 
papers where would find ’em. An d, on these terms, I 
let her go ; h it almost broke my heafPTo do it ; and I 
believe that ' gal shed some tears at paidin’ — didn’t you, 
Magnolia ? ’ 

“ Yes ; I e»n remember the time, and the tears that I 
shed,” was the answer. 

“ I has no doubt of it. Let me tell you that you is the 
last one, woman, or child, that I ever sold, or ever wanted 
to, now I tell yer. But you went with Mr. Dabney, and 
he done weU by yer — now didn’t he ? ” 

“ He was kind and fatherly, and sent me to school, even 
to a Northern school with his daughter, where I passed as 
her sister, and his child ; but he died suddenly, and did 
not leave me free, as he intended.” 

“ Just so,” the Kentuckian cried. “ It was imprudent 
on the part of Dabney ; ’cos he was a good man, and 
meant what he said. He thought that he was long-lived , 
but whiskey and high living takes off the strongest of us, 
and don’t stop to ax questions. Well, Magnolia, s’pose 
you tell what remains. You can do it much better than I 
can.” 

“ When the estate was settled, by Mr. Dabney’s eldest 

son,” the lady said, ‘‘I was offered for sale, like the rest 
of the slaves on the plantation, ainl like the cattle and 
horses. I was put upon the auction blocdv, and sold like 
a bale of cotton.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


485 


Another passionate burst of grief, and not a heart in 
that cabin but felt for the sufferings of the poor girl. 

It was a long time before Magnolia could command her 
voice sufficiently to continue her narrative ; and it was 
only after I had forced a glass of wine upon her that she 
could compose herself to proceed, and relate the remaining 
facts connected with her life. Twice she attempted to 
speak, and twice she failed to accomplish the task that she 
had entered upon. Mr. Gowen, who appeared to feel for 
one whom he had called wife for some years, noticed her 
distress, and came to her aid. 

“ Let me relate how we became acquainted,” he said. 
“As long as so much is known, it is best that the 
rest should also be told. Have I your permission, Mag- 
noHa?” 

She made a gesture of assent, and Mr. Gowen con- 
tinued : — 

“ On the day that Mr. Dabney’s slaves were sold, I 
attended the sale ; for I had heard that a girl of marvellous 
beauty was to be disposed of by young Mr. Dabney, who, 
in a moment of miserly rage and ugliness, had disregarded 
his father’s well-known wishes, and his sister’s tears and 
entreaties. He was determined that the girl should be 
sold ; and, for fear that his sister would interfere at the 
last moment, he sent her off to a distant part of Georgia, 
on some pretext or other.” 

“ He was a likely pup,” muttered the blunt Kentuckian. 
“ I’d like to have cracked his head ffir him, I would.” 

“ He was punished. He fell at Bull Run,” Mr. Gowen 
said. 

“ God bless the Yankee that fired the bullet that killed 
the mean chap that would sell a gal agin his dead father’s 
wishes I ” reverently responded Bowmount. 

Mr. Gowen resumed his story, which we were all inter- 
ested in. 

15 


486 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ There was a large attendance at the sale, for it was 
noised abroad that Magnolia was to be disposed of ; and 
many young men, and some old ones, desired the prize if 
it did not go too high. I won’t weary you by telling you 
how impatient we were untU the chief attraction was put 
up, and her good qualities paraded to an appreciating 
audience. You remember. Magnolia?” 

“ O God ! shall I ever forget that moment ? ” the lady 
ejaculated. “ Shall I ever forget the horror of standing 
up on a block, before an eager, gaping crowd, and told to 
exhibit my good points ? ” 

“ Your blushes of shame showed that you felt the posi- 
tion,” Mr. Go wen said ; “ but all appearance of modesty 
only caused your audience to inwardly vow that they 
would bid higher than they intended to for the purpose 
of receiving the prize.” 

“ I wish I’d been thar. I’d have had a cut at ’em, if it 
cost me my life,” muttered Bowmount. 

“ After all the good points which Magnolia possessed 
had been pointed out, the sale commenced ; and the first 
bid was for two thousand dollars, then three, then four, 
then four thousand five hundred, and so on, until she was 
knocked down to me at six thousand dollars. But she did 
not hear the final bid, for the girl fainted before it was 
offered ; and, when she revived, the crowd had dispersed, 
not until I had received the congratulations of my friends, 
and an advance offered on the price that I had given, 
from a negro trader, who could have made a pile on the 
transaction, at New Orleans, or some other large city at 
the South. But I was resolved not to sell you. Mag- 
nolia. You know I told you that I would not, as soon 
as you were able to comprehend me, and listen to my 
protestations.” 

“ Yes, I know,” murmured the lady, 

“WeU, I kept my word, did I not? When the war 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


437 


commenced, my wife died. Then I grew to love you, Mag- 
nolia, and determined to make you my wife, if I could 
make a new fortune to replace the one in the Confederacy. 
To avoid embarrassment and annoyance, I gave you my 
name when we came to Nassau, and so prevented a 
suspicion that 'you were a slave ; even the most rabid of 
Southern women never suspected such a thing. I believe 
your every wish was gratified at Nassau, Magnolia ? ” 

“ Yes,” she answered ; “ I was almost contented. Yoi 
were kind to me.” 

“ And I trusted you — did I not ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ And you know that I loved you. Magnolia.” 

T could see, by the lady’s eyes and face, that Mr. Gow- 
en’s influence was returning ; that he had touched her 
heart by his kindness and consideration, even in spite 
of herself. 

“ You always said that you did,” returned the lady, in 
a low tone. 

“ Come with me,” said Bowmount. “We ain’t wanted 
here.” 

And we left them. 

An hour later Mr. Gowen and Magnolia emerged ft’orn 
the cabin. Both looked as though they had shed tears, 
yet on each face was a look of confidence. Gowen came 
towards me, and said, — 

“ Captain, we are much obliged to you for your kind- 
ness. Wni you please to order a boati so that we can be 
set on shore ? ” 

“ Is the lady to go with you ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Of her own free will and accord ? ” 

“Yes; of course.” 

He looked a little surprised, as though wondering what 
I meant. 


438 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Will you allow me to speak with the lady for one 
moment? I wish to be assured on that point.” 

“ Certainly, sir.” 

I went to Magnolia, who was standing near the cabin 
doors, her back towards me. 

“ Mrs. Gowen,” I said, “ do you wish to leave the 
steamer? ” 

•‘Yes. I fled from Mr. Gowen because I feared his 
Southern prejudices would stand between his love and 
his promises to make me his wife. But I did him injus- 
tice, and he is anxious to claim my hand at once.” 

We then went to the quarter-deck, where Gowen and 
Bowmount had remained. 

“Well, Barnwell, are you satisfied?” asked the Ken- 
tuckian. 

“ Perfectly.” 

“ They mean arnest — don’t they ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ A regular hitchin’ affair — hey ? ” 

“ I should think so.” 

“Wall,” drawled the Kentuckian, “1 ain’t seed a 
weddin’ for a long time. I think it would do me good to 
look at one. S’pose we have one to-night ?” 

“We have no clergyman,” said Mr. Gowen. 

“ 0, I’ll find one. All ships of war h'S^ ’em. Barn- 
well, jist take one of the boats, and ax the cap’n of the 
Stingeree if he will lend us his parson to splice a couple.” 

I wanted to visit the Stingeree, and leave the import- 
ant papers I had taken from the despatch-bearer, and 
which I had promised to hand over on shore in the course 
of the afternoon or evening. Now, here was a chance. 

“I will return with the parson in fifteen minutes,” I said. 

And, after diving into the cabin, and securing the papers, 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


439 


I was pulled alongside the Stingeree, where my appear* 
ance caused some sensation. I went on deck, and was 
received with cold courtesy by the officers ; but still, at 
the same time, they treated me politely, and sent my name 
in to Captain Switchell, without delay ; but they did look 
as though they wondered what I wanted. The captain 
granted me an interview immediately, and, as soon as 
he could speak without being overheard, held out his hand 
for the papers. 

“ You’ve brought ’em,” he said. “ Don’t tell me that 
you haven’t. Don’t crush me, by sayin’ that some one 
has stolen ’em from you.” 

I placed the^documents in his hands ; and the old salt 
would have thrown up his cap, and given three cheers, if 
he had not been fearful of exciting suspicion by such a 
demonstration. 

“ I’ll leave port this very night,” he said. “ I’ll not 
lose a moment. Damn me if this ain’t the greatest hit 
that I ever saw. You don’t know how much government 
owes you.” 

As soon as his enthusiasm had subsided a little, I asked 
for the loan of the chaplain, and explained why I wanted 
him. 

“Take him, and welcome. I’d like to keep him at 
work, for ten hours a day, at just such business. Orderly, 
pass the word for the chaplain.” 

Mr. Bangum came into the cabin, with a sedate smile 
on his face. He thought that he was wanted to take a 
hand at whist, and, perhaps, drink a glass of wine ; and he 
was prepared to do either. 

“ Mr. Bangum,” said the captain, “ this is Mr. Barnwell, 
the master of the blockade-runner that lies near us. He’s 
a rebel, but still claims to have the consideration of a 
Christian. He wants you to splice a couple on board his 
ship ; and you have my permission to do so. Be as lively 


440 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


as you can , for I intend to get up steam, and sail as soon 
as possible.” 

Mr. Bangum said that he was ready to do all required ; 
and then I took a cold and guarded leave of the captain, 
bowed to the officers on deck, and was soon alongside of 
the Belle. 

‘‘ They are already in the cabin,” whispered Bowmount. 
“ Clinch ’em, and then we’ll have a rousing feast. I’ve 
got one under way now ; the best the cook can get up.” 

We aU entered the cabin, and found that Mr. Go wen 
and Magnolia were awaiting us ; the latter in tears, and 
the former looking rather sober for a bridegroom. 

Mr. Bangum looked at the candidates for matrimony, 
and then glanced at the table, on which stood, in loving 
proximity, several bottles of wine and whiskey. He 
rubbed his hands, and smiled in an encouraging manner, as 
though to assure the parties contemplating marriage that 
there was nothing so very dreadful in the act, even if they 
thought there was. Then he put his hand to his mouth, 
and coughed a delicate little cough, as if he was affected 
with a bronchial trouble, yet did not desire to pain his 
friends by giving them notice of the fact. 

“ Mr. Bangum,” cried Bowmount, “ you have a cold. 
Let me recommend a glass of whiskey. It will relieve 
you at once, clear your throat, and enable you to do your 
duty with the utmost despatch.” 

The chaplain did not refuse, and neither did he say that 
he would accept ; but he gave another little cough, and 
smiled ; and, before the smile had died away, the Kentuck- 
ian had thrust a glass into his hand, and poured out a stiff 
dose of whiskey, which Mr. Bangum stowed away in a 
very short time, and appeared to like it. Then he smacked 
his lips, and turned to the matrimonial candidates, a smile 
0^ his face, and a bright light on the tip-end of his nose. 

“My dear young friends,” he said, “lam informed that 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


441 


you contemplate marriage. It is a sacred and divine insti- 
tution ; although there are men who scout the latter con- 
sideration of the question. Such people are to be looked 
upon with suspicion, and their domestic lives are to be taken 
into account as one reason why they entertain such notions. 
You, my friends, I hope, love each other with all sincerity, 
and will continue to do so until death. Captain Barnwell 
informs me that it is a long attachment. I hope that you 
will find that perfect bliss which you so fondly anticipate. 
Join hands if you please.” 

Trembling, and with downcast eyes, the parties joined 
hands, and were pronounced husband and wife ; and J 
think I was never more rejoiced than when I heard the 
words uttered. 

“Give ’em each a sartificate,” cried the Kentuckian 
“ and, while you is writin’ ’em out, we’ll all have a drink 
Here’s longlife and happiness to the newly wedded coup-e 
May they find that their trials is over, and that thej » 
anchored in the haven of rest at last, never more to >• 
disturbed by the billows of commotion ! Amen.” 

Mrs. Go wen, as soon as she had received our congradfi 
lations, retired to her state-room, and gave vent to 
feelings by a passionate burst of tears. I could understau ' 
her emotions, and appreciate them. The change 
she had undergone was so sudden, so unexpected, that » 
did not wonder she was nearly prostrated by emotions it i 
conflicting nature. 


442 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

I ABANDON BLOCKADE RUNNING. — BOWMOUNT SELLS 
THE BELLE. — THE FATE OF THE BELLE. — I MEET MR. 
BLANK. — A REVELATION TO BLANK AND CROSSTREES. 
— OFF FOR HOME. — MY RECEPTION BY SECRETARY 
WELLES. — I AM APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE GUN- 
BOAT FIREFLY. — I VISIT MISS BLANK. — A FRANK 
AVOWAL. — OPPOSITION. — I BRING MR. BLANK TO 
TERMS. 

All that day the Kentuckian kept up his celebration 
of Mrs. Gowen’s marriage. If she Had been his very 
own daughter, he could not have been more delighted, 
and his joy manifested itself in characteristic fashion. It 
should be a gala-day on board, and every man and boy 
should feast to his heart’s content, and splice the main 
brace without stint or limit. 

I shared the joy of the Kentuckian, but I must confess 
that I was more than content when night came to put an 
end to the noise and revelry. 

The next day a ship hauled alongside, and we com- 
menced discharging our cotton into her, Bowmount hav- 
ing sold the whole cargo to a company of speculators, 
who were neutrals, and, consequently, bound to make 
money out of both parties. In two days the cargo of the 
Belle was discharged into the ship, and we had received 
pay for the same in good bills of exchange on Baring 
Brothers, London. Bowmount handed to me a draft that 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


4i8 


represented fifty thousand dollars in gold. It was my 
share of the speculation, and pretty good pay it seemed 
for some four months’ labor at Nassau and Charleston. 

“ Now,” said the Kentuckian, “ let’s take a drink, and 
have a talk, a real serious one. Light a cigar. So ; that’s 
all right. Now, then, look at me, and answer on your 
honor.” 

What is coming now ? ” I thought ; but I gave no 
sign that I was anxious. 

“ Crowd on,” I said. 

“ I will. What do you think of blockade-runnin’ ? ” 

“ It seems to nae to pay pretty well. I should judge so 
by looking at the piece of paper you just gave me.” 

“ Yes ; it does pay. We’ve been lucky. The next trip 
might cost us dear.” 

“ True.” 

“ I’ve got money enough to give me a start in the 
world,” the Kentuckian resumed. “ If I should sell the 
Belle for eighty thousand dollars, I’d have near three 
hundred thousand salted down ; and that had ought to 
support a moderate man like me, what ain’t got no vices, 
except love for a glass of whiskey once in a while.” 

“ Do you ask my advice, Bowmount, what to do ? ” 

“ No, not exactly. You know I has a mind of my own — 
don’t you ? ” 

“ Yes ; I am aware of that.” 

“ Well, what I mean is, don’t you think that blockade- 
runnin’ is blamed mean business for two men like me and 
you, what really don’t care about this quarrel? ” 

“ I don’t know but it is.” 

“ Well, Barnwell, since I’ve made my pile, my feelin’s 
has undergone a change. Besides, there’s more risk every 
day ; ’cos the Yankees will keep putting on ships till they 
won’t permit a rat to escape from out the Southern ports.” 

1 saw what the man was driving at, and determined to 


444 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


encourage him to the best of my ability. I wanted to 
quit the vessel, and return home ; and I had been puzzled 
how to manage it. Now here was a chance, without an 
effort on my part. I could leave the business without 
exciting the suspicions of the Kentuckian. We could 
part good friends, and go our several ways without a word 
of discord. The very thing that I had wished for had 
come to pass ; for I had done with blockade-running. 

“ Bowmount,” I said, “ don’t beat about the bay any 
longer. Say, at once, that you are tired of the business, 
and want to get out of it.” 

“WeU, Ido.” 

“ That’s right. Own up like a man, and then I’m with 
you. I don’t want to risk what I’ve got in another attempt 
at blockade-running. You feel the same. The matter is 
a simple one, since we both agree on the most important 
point. Sell the vessel ; then we can go on shore, and 
wait until we can take passage North, or leave for 
Europe.” 

“ And you won’t feel as though I’d left you out in the 
cold ? ” asked the Kentuckian, in an anxious tone. 

“ By no means.” 

“ I didn’t know ; you are sich a desperate Southerner. 
A rigular fire-eatin’ South-Car’linian, and no mistake.” 

“ O, gammon I ” I replied, with a conscious blush. 

“ Yes, you is. But I’m glad to see that you is sensible. 
We’ll sell the Belle for what the Englishmen offered, and 
then have a run to Europe. Hey ? ” 

I acquiesced in the agreement ; and, the next day, the 
arrangement was carried out. The vessel was sold, and 
the new owners took possession. Our crew were paid 
off; but most of them remained in the steamer, preferring 
to take their chances at a second attempt to enter the 
Southern ports to going on shore, and waiting for another 
fiist-fiailing ship. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


446 


On shore the Kentuckian and I took up our quarters 
at the St. George Hotel, where we were treated with the 
utmost distinction on account of our Southern connections. 
We found ourselves quite comfortable, with good society 
to pat us on the back, and call us smart fellows for our 
success; while the same men who thus encouraged us 
would have cast us off had we been unfortunate. The 
Kentuckian knew this as well as myself ; so, as a matter 
of course, he framed some of his speeches to a blunt tune. 
But all that he said was glossed over ; and he was called 
eccentric instead of impudent, witty instead of rude, a 
noble specimen of the South, such as any nation might be 
proud of. 

For four days we were destitute of excitement. The 
Belle had loaded with powder, rifles, cannon, clothing, and 
provisions, and sailed for Wilmington, under the charge 
of a new captain, who was inexperienced in the art of 
blockade-running. And he met a fate that delighted the 
captains and crews of three of Uncle Sam’s gunboats ; for 
the Belle, in spite of her speed, got in a tight place, and 
was compelled to surrender, even without the firing of a 
shot. Our English friends did not make much out of that 
trip, even if they did out of others. 

But, at last, all Bermuda was electrified by the arrival 
of a large steamer with three thousand bales of cotton on 
board. She was from Wilmington ; and the rumor was 
that she had met with no opposition in leaving port. The 
names of the owners and captain did not transpire ; and I 
was ignorant of them, until, one day, who should enter 
the hotel but my old friend, Mr. Blank, the polite and 
successful Boston merchant, whom I had met in disguise in 
Charleston, in company with old Crosstrees. I think that 
Mr, Blank was a little astonished when he saw me. He 
hesitated, colored, and did not know whether he should 
acknowledge my acquaintance or not ; but, before he had 
decided, I accosted him. 


446 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Why, Mr. Blank I ” I cried, “ who would have thought 
of meeting you in this part of the world ? ” 

“ Perhaps I can say that the surprise is mutual,*^ the 
merchant returned ; but, as he spoke, he held out his 
hand, which I took. 

“ Of course you have come here for your health,” I 
remarked. “ Nothing else could induce a man like you to 
visit such a barren spot as this.” 

“ O, yes I Yes. Of course. My lungs. A little out 
of order, you know.” 

“lam sorry for that ; because Bermuda is a bad place 
in the summer time, and I fear that you won’t do well 
here. It is cooler at the North in July.” 

“ Yes ; I suppose so. But it was necessary that I should 
come. I am surprised, however, to see you here. What 
good wind sent you in this direction ? ” 

“ O, I’m here waiting for orders ; and I hope that I shall 
see a good deal of you.” 

“ Yes ; perhaps you may.” 

And the merchant was about to turn away, when I 
asked, — 

“Was your daughter well when you left Boston, Mr. 
Blank?” 

“ Yes, sir ; quite well.” 

“ I wish that you had brought her with you.” 

“ Why so, sir ? ” 

And the proud merchant frowned a little ; for he recol 
lected that I was once in his employ, and, consequently, 
his inferior. 

“ Simply because I like her society,” was my blunt 
answer ; for I saw that I might as well commence a move- 
ment that would make an impression, as to hold o£P, and 
pretend to be awe-stricken in his presence. 

“ Mr. Constant,” said the stately Boston merchant, 
“ you rendered my daughter valuable service in Washing- 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


447 


ton. You have been thanked for it. If you need more, 
say so ; and you shall be rewarded to the extent of any 
reasonable amount of money.’’ 

“lam much obliged to you for your kindness,” I re- 
marked, without manifesting the least sign of temper; 
“ but you know that I would not accept money for such 
services as I have rendered, and it is but an insult to talk 
of it in this connection.” 

The merchant bit his lips, and was silent for a moment 

“ You spoke so pointed,” he said, “ that I thought you 
wanted some reward for the services you rendered my 
child at Washington.” 

“Soldo.” 

“ Name it, sir.” 

“ Not at present. The time may come when I shall b€ 
enabled to do so.” 

“ I do not understand your meaning, sir.” 

“ No ; I suppose not. It would surprise you very much 
if you knew my aim and purpose.” 

I don’t know what Mr. Blank would have said, if, at 
that moment, old Crosstrees had not come rolling to the 
piazza where we stood, apparently to speak to the mer- 
chant. As soon as the old salt caught sight of me, he 
stopped his roll, gave his trousers a hitch, and said, — 

“ Blast me if this ain’t you, and no mistake I What 
are you doin’ here ? By the sixteen of spades I but this 
is a good one. I don’t understand it.” 

“ I suppose not ; and, what is more, you ain’t likely to, 
unless you stop that bellowing. You ain’t on the quarter- 
deck of a ship, and in a gale of wind ; so take in sail, and 
come to anchor.” 

I saw the old salt look at Mr. Blank, as though asking 
advice on the subject. The latter motioned to him, and 
then walked off a few fathoms, so that they could consult 
without being overheard. They whispered together for » 
30 


448 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


minute or two, and then Mr. Blank strolled ofP, and left 
old Crosstrees to deal with me as best he could. I guessed 
his object. It was to pump me, and find out how much I 
knew, and what I was doing at Bermuda. 

I lighted a cigar, and sat down to wait for the contest. 
Old Crosstrees took a seat near me, and opened the cam- 
paign in his usual blunt manner. 

“ I say, Constant,’’ Captain Crosstrees remarked, “ we 
alters was friends — now wan’t we ? ” 

“ O, yes.” 

“ And you know that me and Mr. Blank would do most 
anything to oblige you.” 

“ I suppose so.” 

“We would, on honor.” 

“ I don’t doubt your word.” 

“ Now as we feel so towards yer, jist tell us what you 
is doin’ here.” 

“ With pleasure. I’ll exchange confidences with you. 
Tell me what you are doing here, and I’U do the same.” 

Old Crosstrees colored and hesitated, while he rolled his 
quid in his capacious mouth. 

“ Well, the fact of it is. Constant, the government sent 
us down to look arter its affairs in this region. Mum, you 
know. Don’t say a word.” 

“Not for the world. But how does it happen that you 
arrived on board a blockade-runner ? ” 

For a moment old Crosstrees was taken completely 
aback ; but, when he rallied, he blurted out, — 

“ That’s the joke of the thing. We have wormed out 
important secrets ; and no one knows that we are from 
the North.” 

“ I suppose that was the reason you were in Charleston.” 

“ Hey?” 

“ You know you were in Charleston one or two days.” 

“ How did vou know that ? ” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


449 


“ I saw you there.” 

“ It ain’t so. Hang me, if it is so I I ain’t been in 
Charleston for years.” 

You’ve been there within four weeks,” I answered, in 
a short, dry tone. 

No, I ain’t, either.” 

“ Yes, you have.” 

“ How do you know ? ” 

Because I saw you there.” 

“You?” 

“ Yes.” 

“What in the deuce are you talking about, Constant ? ” 

“ Just what you hear.” 

“ Are you in earnest ? ” 

“ Never more so, I assure you.” 

Crosstrees looked at me, in solemn silence, for a mo- 
ment ; and then he growled out, — 

“ Hang me, if I know what you is drivin’ at !” 

“ No ; I suppose not. Yet let me assure you that I saw 
you and Mr. Blank in Charleston less than four weeks 
since.” 

“ I don’t believe it.” 

“ Very well ; disbelieve it. Some time I may be called 
upon to prove my assertions.” 

“ Look a-here. Constant. Hang it, man ! be fair and 
square, and let an old shipmate know what you mean — 
won’t you ? ” 

“ No ; the time has not arrived. Mr. Blank and you 
have nothing to fear from me. Only certain remarkable 
circumstances can induce me to utter one word regarding 
the nature of your late transactions.” 

“ Name ’em. Constant. Do you want any money? ” 

“ No ; none of yours.” 

“ Then what do you want ? Come, be frank with me. 
Treat an old shipmate and sailor like a friend.” 


450 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ Just as you hare treated me, hey ? ” 

“ Hem.” 

“ No, Crosstrees, I shall not confide my secret tc you 
at present. It is better in my keeping. You are safe . 
and so is Mr. Blank. Go on, and sell your cotton. Make 
all the money that you can ; but let me warn you to no 
longer tempt fortune by running the blockade. It is 
playing with fire. Keep on, and you will get burned. I 
assure you that such is the case. You see that I know 
aU, so be advised in time.” 

“ I don’t know how you know all these things ; but 
you has hit the nail on the head in some manner ; and, 
hang me, if you couldn’t ruin us with a turn of your 
paw I But you won’t do it — will yer ? ” 

“ I have said that you and Mr. Blank are safe at pres- 
ent ; but do not repeat the experiment if you wish me to 
remain your friend. Be warned in time.” 

“ Yes, I will. A heap of thanks for what you have 
said. Count on me, in any latitude or longitude, you 
know. You has some secret understanding under yer 
jacket, and when it is time to come out jist h’ist a signal, 
and I’ll square away, and run down to yer. I will, so 
help me sixty I ” 

The old sea-dog made me take his hand, and then he 
left me, and sought Mr. Blank ; but I don’t think the in- 
formation he imparted to that dignified gentleman was 
consoling ; for the Boston merchant managed to find me 
in the course of half an hour after Crosstrees left me, and, 
with a short, genial smile, took my hand, and remarked, — 

“ Constant, you and Crosstrees have been having some 
conversation together. May I ask you to keep matters 
secret for my sake ? ” 

“ Certainly, you may ask me ; and I tell you that it will 
depend entirely upon your own conduct as to my course. 
You know better than to violate the laws of jour coun- 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 461 

try. Ton have wealth and position, and need not embark 
in such business. 

“ I know it ; and I promise you that I will not repeat the 
experiment. As soon as I sell ship and cargo, or send 
them to Liverpool, I’ll return to Boston without delay.” 

“ Where I shall have the pleasure of seeing you ; as I 
sail for home as soon as possible.” 

Mr. Blank did not look so delighted at this information 
as one might have expected. He merely said, — 

“ Ah, indeed I ” 

“ Have you any message that you wish me to take to 
your daughter ? ” I continued. 

“ O, no I She does not know that I’m here. It is not 
necessary that she should hear from me oftener than once 
a month.” 

“ She still remains in Boston ? ” I suggested. 

“ Yes, sir ; I presume so. It is not probable that she 
would leave the city for any length of time without con- 
sulting me.” 

He did not ask me to caU on Miss Hatty, but I deter- 
mined to do so in spite of him ; and, if I could get the 
start of him for a week or two, so that I could talk to 
the young lady without much restraint, I had great hope 
of winning her for a wife, for that was the extent of my 
ambition. 

We parted, with formal bows ; for, somehow, each of 
us felt as though there was a difference between us, a gulf 
that needed bridging over,— yet neither of us was will- 
ing to make the least advances towards a mutual under- 
standing. I don’t think he even dreamed that I loved his 
daughter ; but he knew that something made me a little 
cold and distant. 

I saw no more of Crosstrees and Mr. Blank during my 
stay on the island. They retired to their ship, and kept 
out of sight, — a wise proceedinpi on their part, which I 


452 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


oommended most heartily ; for I feared that they and 
Bowmount might meet, and then an explanation ensne 
that would damage me somewhat in my projects. 

But a steamer was advertised to sail for New York, and 
in her the Kentuckian and I took passage. Before she 
weighed anchor, however, I saw Mrs. Go wen, and had a long 
and friendly interview. She was much happier in her new 
relation than she had anticipated. Mr. Gowen was kind 
and considerate, tender and judicious; and his wife thought 
that she should live happy with him. At least she would 
try to do so, which resolution I highly commended ; and, 
ftfter a few words of good advice, I said adieu, shook 
hands, and we parted the best of friends. 

.. Let me, in a few words, describe her career ; for she 
was no ordinary woman. Her husband turned all his 
property into gold, and removed to Paris, where he is stiU 
residing. He has a fortune equal to a million or more, 
iifepenses the most generous hospitality to all, from the 
Kcrth or South, is free from all bitterness on the subject 
of the war, and loves his wife most devotedly ; and one 
re&ion for this is, that she is the most lovely lady, one 
who creates the most excitement and admiration of any 
American in France. The emperor was partial to her 
company, while the empress was really fond of her, and 
made a pet of her at all times. 

No one has discovered her secret. It is guarded by 
friends, who would on no account reveal it ; while it is use- 
less to attempt to identify the parties by the names which 
I have given them. Of course they are fictitious ; but 
the characters are realities, faithfully drawn, and not in 
the least exaggerated. They have but one child, born 
the year of their arrival in Paris. It is a boy ; and the 
mother, in her letters to me, speaks of it in the most 
glowing terms. It is a sturdy little fellow, and as hand- 
some S8 an angel. Mr. Gowen is much attached to it, 


RUNNING THE BLv>CKADE. 


458 


and, consequently, is in a fair way to spoil it. I hope, 
some day, to see it. May the family live long and happi- 
ly together ! Their trials were severe, and their courage 
well tested. Their reward is great. 

We left Bermuda, and steamed for New York, arriving 
in the latter city after a five days’ passage. As soon as we 
landed we sold our bills of exchange at a great advance, 
— for gold was at a premium, — and then found ourselves 
in possession of quite a fortune, in greenbacks and gov- 
ernment stocks ; for I noticed that Bowmount showed his 
confidence in the stability of the United States by invest- 
ing most of his spare funds in seven-three tenths bonds ; 
and when I rallied him on that point, he wanted to know 
if I thought he was a fool. 

“ Don’t I know which side is cornin’ up, and which side 
is goin’ to win? I have watched this thing for some 
months, and know what I’m about ; and while I’m on the 
subject, let me explain to you that it’s best to keep shady 
while you is here. Don’t let any disloyal notions drop 
out ; ’cos, if you do, there’ll be men ready to hear ’em, 
and report ’em. Be as strong for the North as you can, 
at least in all your yarnin’. Don’t let on that you was 
born in South Carolina. There ain’t no occasion for it, 
you know ; and you might get into trouble if you should 
blart too much.” 

I gravely promised to mind what he said, and after a 
few days spent in New York, we started for Washington, 
where I was anxious to report myself, and get assigned to 
more agreeable duty than that which I had performed. I 
was tired of secret service, and its anxieties and dangers. 
I longed for more noble strife ; where I could distinguish 
myself, and prove that I was worthy of Hatty Blank. 

I feared that the Kentuckian would remain with me in 
Washington, and thus prevent me from communicating 
with the proper authorities ; but, to my great joy, Jie met 


454 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


a party of gentlemen from his own State, acquaintances, 
and they carried him off home. We parted the best of 
friends, and months elapsed before Bowmount knew that 
I was in the service of the United States. When he first 
heard of it, he swore that he wouldn’t believe it; and 
when forced to do so, smiled a grim smile, and said, — 

“ Shucks ! Dog on me I but he was smart, now I tell 
yer. So, he is a Yankee, is he? Well, hang me! but 
I was half a Yankee at the time, and knowed the North 
was right all along. I’d like to see that Barnwell, or 
Constant, or whatever his name is ; ’cos I shall never for 
get that he saved me and my vessel, and put money in 
my pocket. He’s a trump, and no mistake.” 

And so well did the Kentuckian think of me, that he 
came North when he heard that I was wounded, for the 
express purpose of seeing if I was likely to get well. A 
few words more, and his history will be brought to a close. 
After his return to Kentucky, he threw the whole of his 
influence on the side of the Union, raised a regiment, 
was colonel of it, then made a general, and did as much 
as any other man to capture and disperse Morgan’s band 
of raiders, and save Kentucky and Ohio from pillage. 
He was in the army till the close of the war, and now 
owns an immense plantation in his native State, where he 
raises tobacco and animals, and makes money as fast as his 
generous nature permits. This spring I received a pres- 
ent from him, in the shape of a span of black horses, some 
of his own raising, and now I’m debating what I shall do 
with the animals. I don’t want to sell them, for it wouldn’t 
be proper ; and I don’t know how I can keep them, and 
make them useful. Still I feel grateful to Bowmount for 
the gift, and think that I will acknowledge it by send- 
ing him a splendid specimen of a royal Bengal tiger. We 
will see how he likes it. 

But I must return to my narrative, for it is drawing to 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


455 


a close. Soon after Bowmount left Washington, I waited 
upon Mr. Secretary Welles, and reported myself. The 
venerable gentleman refused to see me, until I sent in my 
card, with certain mysterious signs on the same, which 
were expressive, even if they were not beautiful. 

With the secretary, I found Mr. Fox, his assistant. The 
latter recollected my face at once, and explained to Mr. 
Welles who I was, and what duty I had been engaged in. 
The venerable secretary thereupon gave me his hand and 
his photograph at the same time, — the latter gift being 
designed as a special mark of honor, to be prized above 
all things ; and as I knew a few of the good man’s pecu- 
liarities, I told him that I should always cherish it, and 
hang it up in my state-room the next time I went to sea. 

“We have work for you, sir, plenty of work,” cried 
the secretary, who watched me most attentively while I 
was placing the photograph carefully in my note-book. 
“ I see that you are one we can rely on. You have per- 
formed most valuable service to your country, sir. I hear 
you praised by all hands, from the quarter-deck to the — 
to the—” 

He looked to Captain Fox for relief from his dilemma. 
Captain Fox was examining a chart, and did not notice the 
appeal. 

“Ahem I” said Mr. Welles, after a moment’s silence. 
“ I have heard you praised by all the captains on the sta- 
tion ; for you was prompt with your information as a ma- 
rine at — at — ” 

Another look at Captain Fox for assistance, and more 
disappointment. 

“ Ahem I Yes, sir ; you were reliable with your news. 
The sailor in the main-foretop and the officer in the cabin 
are now living, to bless you for saving their lives by your 
promptness.” 

I expressed myself pleased to learn that such was the 


€56 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


case, and wondered where the secretary picked up his im 
mense stock of sea terms. 

“ That blockade-running was rather tough sort of work. 
I don’t know but I should condemn it, if I went accord- 
ing to a taut bowline backstay, as sailors say ; but as 
you did the cause so much good, why, we must overlook 
all little errors, I suppose. Those despatches from the 
Richmond cabinet were invaluable. Worth to us millions 
of dollars. I don’t know how we should have got along 
without them.” 

“ They were precious as jewels,” Captain Fox remarked. 
“ They enabled us to block a nice little game.” 

“ Yes ; we blockaded their game, and now we have an- 
other mission for you; a little less dangerous than the 
last, perhaps, but still just the thing for a sensible, adven- 
turous fellow like yourself.” 

“ Perhaps Mr. Constant would like a furlough of a few 
weeks, after his arduous duties,” remarked Captain Fox. 

“I really don’t see how we can spare him. We were 
never so pressed for good men, reliable men, regular sheet 
anchors, you know. You won’t object to being ordered 
away at short notice, — will you ? ” 

“ I fear that I must object,” I replied ; “for I have a 
great desire to visit some friends in Boston.” 

“ Yes, I know ; but still you will be gone but a few 
days. Now I want you to undertake a mission to Georgia. 
Away down in Savannah, and let us know how that city 
is fortified. Find out all al^out the iron-clads, the feeling 
of the people, and report to this department as soon as 
possible.” 

“ You have laid out considerable work for me,” I re- 
marked. 

“No more than you are capable of performing, judging 
from past performances,” the secretary remarked, with a 
grave smile, combing his whiskers with his fingers. 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


467 


Now I thought this rather tough. I had run moie risks, 
while at the South, than I cared to again undertake. I 
had escaped with a whole skin, but only through good 
luck, not by any wit of my own ; and, just as I supposed 
that my work was done, another job was put before me, 
more repugnant to my feelings than the last. I deter- 
mined to refuse the mission, let what would happen ; for 
I was ambitious to shine in a new sphere, on the quarter- 
deck of a first-class gun-boat or frigate, 

Captain Fox must have read my thoughts, for he said, — 

“ You think of refusing the mission ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ I thought so ; and, to tell you the honest, sailor truth, 
I don’t blame you.” 

“Avast, there I ” nautically cried Mr. Welles. “ Take 
a round turn there, and belay all that.” 

“ Mr. Constant is right in refusing the mission,” Cap- 
tain Fox repeated. “ He is known at the South, at the 
present time; and it would be a miracle if he escaped 
from there with his life. Under such circumstances, I 
don’t blame him for hesitating over the job. Why not 
make a commander of him, and give him charge of a 
gunboat ? He has earned his promotion.” 

“It is just the position I would have asked, above all 
others,” I cried. 

“ But who is to go South ? ” asked the secretary, in a 
tone that showed he was hesitating over the project.” 

“ O, I’ll find a man,” was the answer. 

“ Well, if Lieutenant Constant refuses the mission, 
why, I must do the best that I can. But we did depend 
on him.” 

“ O, I’ll find a man who will answer every purpose ; 
and I’ll send him off in a day or two.” 

And this assurance seemed to satisfy the good-natured 
secretary ; for he once more opened hi%desk, and handed 


458 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


me his photograph, forgetting that he had already giyen 
me one. 

You can keep it,” the secretary said, “ to remem- 
ber me, and to recollect that I’m not the most arbitary of 
men, although some people say so.” 

“I shall consider you the kindest of men, if you will 
write on the photograph, ‘ Commander Constant, from 
Secretary Welles.’ ” 

“ Well, so I will,” cried the secretary. 

And down went the words ; and that is the mannor I 
obtained my promotion. 

“ The new gunboat Firefly, fitting at the Charlestown 
Navy Yard, needs a commander,” suggested Captain Fox. 

“ Then see that Commander Constant is appointed to 
her.” 

And with a nod of his venerable head, the secretary 
intimated that the interview was terminated ; and 
once more thanking both gentlemen, I retired from the 
department ; and just as I was leaving the building, 
who should I meet, face to face, but the Union spy. 
Colonel Rhett, alias Smith, alias half a dozen other 
names. 

“Well,” cried Smith, in the most profound astonish- 
ment, “ if I ain’t dished ! ” 

“ If you ain’t, you ought to be,” I remarked, and was 
about to pass on, when Smith laid one hand on my shoul- 
der, and beckoned to a police ofl&cer. 

“Well, captain,” the man said, in a tone of triumph, 
“ now I have you on my own ground. Now I can set- 
tle old scores, and in a manner satisfactory to myself, if 
not to you.” 

“ Indeed I ” I remarked, in so cool a tone that the man 
looked a little more astonished than ever, if such a thing 
were possible. 

“ Yes ; you will find it so. Here, officer, take charge 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 45t 

of this man. He is a Southern spy, a captain in the rebel 
navy.” 

“ You are my prisoner,” said the detective, and laid a 
hand on my shoulder. 

“ He’s slippery, officer,” cried Smith, who appeared to 
feel that I was not safe, but would escape. “ Put the 
bracelets on to him. Make sure of him. He’s the deuce 
for getting out of a small hole.” 

Just as the officer was about to produce his irons, who 
should come towards us but Captain Fox, as he left the 
department building. 

“ Ah I you are just the person I want,” the assistant- 
secretary said, as his eyes fell upon Smith, and, for the 
moment, did not notice me. “I want to see you on 
business ; it is important.” 

“I have some now,” replied the Union spy. “ Here’i 
business that will last me for a few days. I’ve made a 
capture that will astonish you. Hang me, if it won’t 
startle you I Just look at the most unblushing rebel in 
the Southern States, and one that is capable of doing much 
harm.” 

Captain Fox did look at me, and after his first glance of 
astonishment, began to laugh. 

“ Why, man alive I ” the secretary said, “ do you know 
whom you are talking about ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ; the worst rebel in the South.” 

Again the secretary laughed, as he replied, — 

“ This is some strange mistake, sir. You have arrested 
Commander Constant, of the United States Navy. Offi- 
cer, release him immediately.” 

The detective removed his hand from my shoulder, 
while Smith’s face was a puzzle. It showed mingled 
astonishment and rage at the prospect of being deprived 
of his prey. 

“ Look here. Captain Fox,” Smith cried, “ you don’t 


460 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


know this man. He’s dangerous, — mighty dangerous, I 
tell you. I’ve met him in South Carolina, and heard him 
plot against the government. Once he had me flogged, 
and once I had a rope around his neck. You never know 
where to find him, and how to put your finger on him. 
He’s like an eel.” 

“ O, what nonsense you talk ! ” replied the secretary. 
“ You have been making too free with whiskey this morn- 
ing. It’s apt to affect the brain, unless care is exercised. 
Come, Constant, walk with me. I want to speak with 
you.” 

He put his arm through mine ; and we were about to 
move off, when Smith made one more appeal. 

“ I tell you. Captain Fox,” he said, “ you are mistaken 
in this man.” 

“ No, I am not. You are the one mistaken.” 

“ Good God ! ” cried Smith, trotting along by our side. 
“ It can’t be possible that the captain is in the Union 
service.” 

There was no response to this.” 

“ O, hang it I I see it aU now,” muttered the spy. 
“ What a fool I’ve been. No wonder he didn’t want me 
hanged. He knew me, and I didn’t know him. We’ve 
been fighting at cross purposes all this time. Well, I’m 
dead beat this time, and no mistake. But I’ll give you 
the credit of being a little smarter than I am. I don’t 
bear any malice ; so here’s my hand. Hereafter I shall 
keep my mouth shut.” 

We shook hands, and parted ; and the next day Smith 
assumed the character of a paroled confederate soldier, 
and started on his tour through the South. He returned 
in safety, and is now an officer on a gunboat, having 
fought well at Fort Fisher and Mobile, and received his 
promotion through sheer merit and hard work. I meet 
him once in a while, and we talk over the adventures of 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


461 


the past ; but when he speaks of the flogging which he 
received at the time he and J ohn were so anxious to hang 
me, his shoulders are shrugged, as though some of the 
pain still remains in them, and is darting through the 
scars which the cruel whip left. I hope that his career 
will be successful and honorable in the future as in the 
past, as I have no doubt that it will be. 

The next day I left Washington, and started for Bos- 
ton, which city I was anxious to reach as soon as possi- 
ble, for the purpose of having an interview with Miss 
Hatty Blank. Much of my future happiness depended 
upon the manner in which she met me ; so no wonder I 
felt a little nervous, and desired to look my best while in 
her presence. 

The first day I arrived in Boston I had a commander’s 
uniform made ; and when it was finished, donned it, 
and then took a good look at myself in the glass. I felt 
so well satisfied with my appearance, that I determined to 
call upon Miss Hatty in my new dress ; for I knew that 
women like the appearance of a neat uniform, and do not 
disdain casting glances at a good-looking man inside of 
one. 

Miss Hatty resided on the new lands on the Back Bay, 
in a large freestone house, one of the best in a block of 
four. Mr. Blank’s name was on the door, so I had no 
trouble in finding the building ; but I must confess that 
my heart beat rather wildly as I touched the bell, and 
awaited the arrival of a servant. 

I thought of a dozen things while standing on the stoop. 
Perhaps she was not in, or was sick, or would not see 
me. Or, it might be her father was at heme, and 
would interfere with the interview which I so much 
desired. But all speculations ceased as the door opened, 
and a colored servant appeared. 

Is Miss Blank at home ? ” I asked. 


462 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


“ I will see, sar, if you will walk in,” was the answer. 

I was shown into an elegantly furnished reception-room, 
handed my card to the servant, who received it on a silver 
salver, and then disappeared. He was gone five minutes 
before he returned. Then he said, — 

“ Miss Blank is in, sar. Will you be kind enough to 
walk into the drawing-room, sar? ” 

I complied with the request, and found it even more 
brilliant than the reception-room. French-plate look- 
ing-glasses were over the mantles and at each end of the 
room. The walls were covered with pictures, and the 
furniture was rosewood ; while the carpet was so thick 
and soft that a footstep could not be heard on it. By all 
odds, I think that it was the richest room I had ever en- 
tered at the time ; and all things considered, I do not 
wonder that I felt a little taken aback at such evidences 
of wealth and refinement. 

I sat down, and waited ten minutes. All that time I 
felt my courage sinking lower and lower ; and had it not 
been for shame’s sake, I should have run away, and waited 
till some other day before seeking an interview. 

“ Courage,” I said, with a thump on my heart. “ She 
is but a girl, and can’t hurt a man like me. Why should I 
be afraid ? I won’t be intimidated. I’ll see her, if I have 
to remain here all day.” 

“ Why, Captain Constant I how glad I am to see you I ” 
a soft, sweet voice said ; and turning, and starting up, I 
saw Miss Blank more lovely than ever, standing near me, 
with outstretched hands. She had entered the room so 
quietly that I had not heard her. 

“ Miss Blank I ” I cried, and caught her hands in both 
of mine, and looked at her, too full of emotion to say 
another word. 

“ I am glad to see you,” the young lady said, and made 
an effort to free her hands from my strong grasp ; but I 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 463 

resisted, so she gave up the attempt, with a smile and 
a blush. “ Haven’t you a word to say to me, Captain 
Constant ? ” asked the lady, seeing that I remained silent. 

“I am so happy at seeing you once more,” I replied, 
“ that I find words fail me just when they are needed 
most.” 

“ I am sure I hope that you did not leave your tongue 
with the rebels. You used to talk fast enough when we 
met in Washington. Do you remember the fellow who 
insulted me, and how kind you were in defending me ? 
Come, sit down, and tell me all about your wanderings. 
You don’t know how glad I am that you have returned 
home. I have thought of you quite often. It was only 
yesterday, I wondered what had become of you. You 
may laugh, but it is true.” 

I led her to a seat j and not till then did I release her 
hands, and ask, — 

“ And how often do you think I have thought of you, 
while absent ? ” 

“ O, I don’t know. Perhaps once or twice. You 
gentlemen are rather fickle-minded, I believe. I have 
heard so, at any rate.” 

“ I can only answer for myself,” I returned ; “ for I 
have thought of but you since absent.” 

I felt that this interview with the idol of my heart, 
was an ample reward for all the hardships and dangers I 
had undergone, and a more delightful one than even 
my new commission as Commander. 

We talked for a long time quite confidentially ; and I 
felt myself more in love than ever. At last I rose 
M take my departure ; but Miss Hatty insisted that I 
should not go just yet ; so I was forced to resume my 
seat. 

“ I am so sorry that my father is absent from home,” 
the lady said, as we resumed conversation. “ He haa 
31 


464 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


often spoken of you, and in such high terms that you 
would he pleased if you knew what he said.” 

“ May I ask where he is ? ” 

“ O, he went to New Orleans, to see about some land 
he owned there. I expect him home in the course of a 
week or two.” 

So the daughter knew nothing about the father’s en- 
gaging in blockade-running. If such was the case, I was 
not the one to enlighten her. As far as I was concerned, 
his disgrace should never reach her ears. 

“ I met a cousin of yours while I was South,” I said, 
after I had thought over the matter of the father’s absence, 
and how cunningly he had kept the reason from his family. 

“ O, yes, — Charley Reefpoint. He has spoken of you 
ever so many times. I suppose you know that he is in 
the city.” 

“ No ; I did not.” 

“ He has been here more than a week. And don’t you 
think, he once admitted that he had seen papa in Charles- 
ton ; and when I expressed surprise, he seemed quite con- 
fused, and denied that he had said so. I must have 
misunderstood him, he argued ; but I am certain that I did 
not. What did he mean ? ” 

I comforted the dear girl as well as I was able, and told 
her that her cousin might have been playing a practical 
joke, and then repented of his rashness. At any rate, 
there was nothing to fear. If Master Reefpoint met her 
father at aU, it was in New Orleans, where he was look- 
ing after his property, and trying to prevent its being 
confiscated by the Federals. 

While we were conversing, who should enter the house 
but the person of whom we were speaking, — Master 
Midshipman Reefpoint, — looking as bold, as handsome, 
and as intelligent as ever. He was glad enough to see 
me ; and I was pleased to see him, and more than pleased 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


465 

to tell him that his commission as lieutenant was already 
made out, and that further promotion awaited him, in 
good time, if he was prudent and considerate. 

The delight of Charley was so great that he would have 
kissed his cousin if she had been willing to receive the 
embrace. She probably thought that it was not just the 
thing to be kissed by a lieutenant of the navy, however 
pleasant it might be to the young gentleman ; so she re-, 
fused to allow Reefpoint to touch her lips, which did not, 
in the least, disconcert her cousin, for he had the impu- 
dence to turn to me, and remark, — 

“ Never mind, Constant. I have kissed her ; and you 
may if you are smart enough.” 

“You are a saucy boy,” replied the indignant Hatty, 
her face flushing scarlet. But Master Reefpoint did not 
stop to hear a lecture. He saw that he was not wanted ; 
so after making an appointment to meet me on board the 
Firefly the next morning, he took his departure, and once 
more left us together, thus enjoying several hours of 
complete happiness. When I left the house, I promised 
to call the next day, and did so, and continued to call 
quite frequently, until one day I resolved that I would 
disclose my passion. 

“ Hatty,” I said, one afternoon, “ do you recollect the 
first time I ever saw you ? ” 

“ O, yes ; it was in my father’s counting-room.” 

“And do you know from that time to the present I 
have loved you most dearly ? ” 

She turned deadly pale, then flushed scarlet, while tears 
came into her eyes, and she covered her face with her 
white hands. 

“ Dear Hatty I ” I whispered, and stole an arm around 
her waist, and pressed her to my heart ; while her fair 
head fell on my shoulder, and I felt her sweet breath on 
my cheek. 


/ 


T 

I 

:>r RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 

" r ^ die not answer me, but continued to sbed tears. 
■ >r^^ tty well assured that they were not tears of 


^Dvsr Hatty,” I continued, and managed to touch 
“ please speak to me, and tell me that you do 
r ot hate me.” 

^ No, I don’t hate you,” was the answer. 

■■ nd you will love me a little ? ” I asked. 

• es, just a little,” was the whispered response ; and 
tb iu a smile stole over her handsome face, and mischief 

med from her dark eyes. 

‘ 01 but I want to be loved a good deal,” I said. 

“ But you only asked for a little.” 

“ I know ; but now that you have assured me of a little, 
iO give me as much as you can.” 

Then she came out serious. She raised her head, and 
looked me full in the face. 

“ Frank,” she said, and placed both little hands on my 
shoulders, “ do you love me with your whole heart ? ” 

“ As God is my judge, I do love you with my whole 
heart and soul.” 

“ And you will always love me as dearly as at 
present ? ” 

“Such shall be my prayer, Hatty. Every day since 
we parted at Washington I have thought of you, and 
the more I thought of you, the more I learned to love 
you.” 

“ Now hear me,” said the young girl, still in a serious 
tone. “ From the time we separated at Washington, until 
the present, I have loved you.” 

“ And do you mean to intimate that you do not still 
bve me?” 

“ No, far from it ; ” and down went her lovely face on 
ny shoulder. “ I mean,” she whispered, “ that I love 
fou more than ever ; but not more than you deserve, I am 
•mre.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


467 


With that fair head resting on my shoulder, and that 
beautiful blushing face close to my own, we fell into that 
silence which to lovers is more eloquent than spoken 
words. How trifling and unimportant seemed ail the 
hazards and hardships I had undergone, compared with 
the richness of this recompense ? 

Now I was rich enough in worldly goods to claim the 
hand of her whose heart was already mine, and I held a 
rank in the United States Navy that would entitle me, 
even in the eyes of Mr. Blank, I hoped, to sue for the 
hand of the highest lady in the land. 

“ T''u thousand thanks, darling,” I said, after she had 
made her confession. Now there is but one more prom- 
ise that I require on your part, to make me supremely 
happy.” 

“ Name it ; ” and she looked up as she spoke, a smile 
on her face, as though she anticipated the request which 
I had to make. 

“ The promise of this dear hand at an early day.” 

“It is yours,” she answered; “but you must first 
obtain my father’s consent.” 

“ And that he will not obtain in a hurry,” said a stern 
voice at the door. 

Hatty uttered a little scream, started up, and then ran 
towards her father, who stood looking at us in a sullen 
manner, as though angry at what he had witnessed. 

“ O, papa I ” the lady cried, “how pleased I am, that 
you have returned home 1 ” 

She would have thrown her arms around his neck ; but 
he refused the embrace, putting her away from him 
haughtily and sternly. 

“ So I ” he said, “ while I am away on business, you 
occupy your time in love-making, do you ? Go to your 
room this instant ; I am ashamed of you.” 

“ Dear papa,” the young lady cried, “ I have done 

1C 


468 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


nothing to be ashamed of. I will tell you all that has 
passed between Mr. Constant and myself. I am sure that 
you will not disapprove of it.” 

“ I will hear nothing. Go to your room, I tell you. I 
have other designs for you besides one of my shipmasters.” 

Hatty gave me one tearful look, and then left the room, 
her father closing the door after her. 

During the whole of this scene I had sat on the sofa, 
and listened in silence to what had passed, knowing that 
the time would soon come when all of my courage and 
calmness would be required to meet a crisis. 

“ Now, sir,” said Mr. Blank, facing me, after having 
closed the door, “ I am ready to attend to you.” 

“ I am glad to hear it, for I am prepared,” I replied. 

“ Don’t you think, sir,” Mr. Blank continued, “ that 
you have done a mean action, to thus take advantage of 
my absence, and sneak into my house for the purpose of 
making love to my only child ? ” 

“ To tell you the truth, I don’t see the mean point,” I 
replied, with unruffled temper. “As for sneaking into 
your house, you are mistaken. I entered it as other gen- 
tlemen do, — by the front door, and in an upright manner. 
Your daughter received me as a friend, and I trust that I 
am one.” 

“ She will have no further occasion for your friendship, 
sir, She will leave town to-day, and you will see her no 
more.” 

“ I am sorry for that,” was my reply, “ for a moment 
ago I asked her to be my wife.” 

“And what answer did she return?” demanded Mr. 
Blank, his face expressing the rage he felt. 

“ An answer that gave me much pleasure. If you were 
willing, she was.” 

“ Well, sir, understand me at once. I am not willing. 
So let that settle the matter, if you please.” 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


469 


“ Pardon me, Mr. Blank, if I am persistent ; but I must 
say that I cannot consent to such an arrangement. I 
love your daughter, and she loves me. I mean to marry 
her.’’ 

“ Confusion ! Are you mad, man ? ” 

“ No ; I am quite sane. I shall marry her, and with 
your consent.” 

“ Do you recollect who you are ? ” thundered the hot- 
blooded merchant. 

“Yes, sir,” I replied, loftily ; “ I have the honor to be 
a commander in the United States naval service.” 

“ And do you know who I am ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. You are a merchant, and reported worth 
a million dollars.” 

“ Precisely, sir. Well, now answer me this question. 
Is it the girl or my money that you want ? ” 

“ The question is an insult ; but still I will answer it. 
I do not want your money. I have enough of my own. 
I can command a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ; and 
tliat is a comfortable sum for a man like me.” 

“ And pray how did you make so much money in so 
short a time ? ” asked Mr. Blank, with a sneer, which 
showed he did not believe my statement. 

“ By running the blockade, and capturing blockade- 
runners. We cut one out at Nassau which gave me about 
forty thousand dollars in prize-money.” 

When I mentioned blockade-running, Mr. Blank mani- 
fested some little uneasiness. He showed guilt at once ; 
but still he was determined to brave me, and drive me 
from the house ; and I was equally determined in my 
resolution not to be driven. 

“ I am glad that you have been successful. Constant,” 
the merchant said, his tone a little modified ; “ but still 
you will see that I can’t change my views. My daughter 
is no wife for you.” 


470 


RUNNING THK BLOCKADE. 


“ And may I ask the reason ? ” 

“ The reason, sir I ” he exclaimed, growing angry again. 
“ Why, look at my position, and then at yours, and let 
that answer you.” 

“ Well, I have looked the matter over, and I still see 
nothing discouraging.” 

“ You don’t?” 

“ No, sir ; and to tell the truth, I think that the pro* 
posed alliance would confer great honor on you.” 

“ The deuce you do I Well, you are a cool one, I must 
say. Pray explain what you mean by it.” 

“ Simply this. I rank as a captain in the United States 
service.” 

“ Yes. You have once before mentioned that point.” 

“ Just so. Well, the position is an honorable one, is it 
not?” 

“Certainly. No one disputes that. Still, it is not 
high enough to justify you in aspiring to my daughter’s 
hand.” 

Mr. Blank, as he uttered these words, looked the rich 
merchant in every feature of his proud face. 

“lam coming to that point,” I continued, still as cool 
as man could be under the circumstances. “ Now, who 
do you think is deserving of reward, — a man who is will- 
ing to serve his country by fighting for it, or one who 
forgets himself so far as to plot against it ? ” 

Mr. Blank sprang to his feet, and his face glowing with 
anger, as he asked, — 

“Do you mean to insinuate anything? Do you dare 
to insult me ? ” 

“ I ask a question, and you become enraged. I insinu- 
ate nothing, but want an answer.” 

“No answer can you receive until you explain yourself. 
It is the basis of an understanding between us.” 

“ Very well, sir ; then I will explain. You must re- 


RUrNitfNG THE BLOCKADE. 471 

member that I met you at Bermuda, in company with 
Captain Crosstrees.” 

“ Yes ; but what of it ? ” 

“ Much, as you will see. A few weeks before, we had 
the pleasure of meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.” 

“ It is false I ” thundered the angry merchant. “ Leave 
my house this instant.” 

“ It is not false ; and I shall not leave your premises 
until you have heard the whole of my story. Then I will 
start quick enough to please even you.” 

He made no further remark, so I continued : 

“ I met you at Charleston, aboard the enemy’s iron-clad, 
where you had a long conference with Captain Maulhead 
on the prospect of blockade-running.” 

“ It is false ! ” 

“ After you left the Palmetto, you were accosted in the 
street by your nephew, Mr. Reefpoint ; but you pretended 
that you did not know him. I saw the interview, and 
heard all that passed.” 

“ Curses on you I ” muttered the merchant, grinding his 
teeth. 

“ Then you went on board the blockade-runner Belle, 
and had a long interview with the captain.” 

“ How do you know that ? ” 

“ I was present.” 

“ Impossible. Only three persons were in the cabin.” 

“ Yet I was there.” 

“ I don’t believe it.’ 

“ I can prove it by producing a package of papers which 
you dropped on the cabin floor. You remember that you 
came back for them.” 

A look of dismay passed over the man’s face. He 
trembled for the first time. He saw that he stood over a 
mine, and that an explosion was likely to occur at any 
moment. 


472 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


Are those papers safe ? ” he presently asked, in a fal* 
tering tone. 

“ Yes ; so safe that I know where to place my hand on 
them at any time.” 

“ Name your price for them.” 

“ Your daughter’s hand.” 

“ I mean in gold.” 

“ Your daughter is more precious to me than gold.” 

“ Are those the only terms ? ” 

“ Yes ; although I tell you, candidly, I have no inten- 
tion of using the papers to your injury. I have too 
much respect for you to see an honored name disgraced.” 

“ Thank you.” And the merchant smiled somewhat 
bitterly. “ If you are so noble, be man enough to place 
the papers in my hand, and trust to my generosity.” 

“ No ; I am too well acquainted with human nature for 
that.” 

“ Has any one excepting yourself seen the papers ? ” 

“ No one but myself.” 

“ And will you tell me how you obtained possession of 
them ? ” 

“ Yes. I found them on the cabin floor of the Belle.” 

“ And why did you not give them up when I returned 
for them?” 

“Because I thought them safer with me than with 
you.” 

Mr. Blank drew a long breath. Then, after a pause, 
he asked, — 

“ Where were you when I was talking with the cap 
tain of the BeUe ? 

“ Right before you. Captain Barnwell and I are one.” 

Mr. Blank was astonished. 

“ I never should have suspected such a thing,” he mut- 
tered. 

Then he walked to the window, and looked out upon 
the Common and Public Garden* 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


478 


I arose, and moved towards the door, intending to take 
my leave. Mr. Blank heard me, and turned &om the 
window. 

“ Where are you going. Constant ? ” he inquired. 

“ To my ship.” ^ 

“ Can’t you remain to dinner? ” 

“ Yes, if you will treat me as an equal and a friend ” 

“ Wait,” he said, and touched a bell. 

A colored servant appeared. 

“ Inform Miss Blank that I wish to see her without 
delay,” the merchant said. 

Five minutes elapsed before the young lady appeared. 
In the mean time Mr. Blank did not utter a word, nor 
did I speak. 

When Hatty entered the apartment, I saw that she had 
been weeping ; for her eyes were red and swollen. 

“ Hatty,” said her father, taking her hand, “ this gen- 
tleman wants you for a wife ; are you willing to take him 
for a husband ? ” 

“ Yes, papa, if you consent.” 

“ And are you sure that you love him, my child ? ” 

“ Quite sure, papa.” 

Ana the young lady left her father, and came to me, 
placing both her hands in mine, in token of her confidence 
and love. 

“lam glad, my child,” said the merchant, “ that you 
have placed your affections on so worthy a man. You 
have my approval and -blessing. May you both be as 
happy as you deserve. ’ ’ 

Then he left us alone. 

“ What has changed papa in so short a time ? ” asked 
Hatty, wonderingly, as she nestled down by my side. 

“ A frank statement of my affairs,” was the reply. 

And that satisfied her ; for she was too happy to in- 
vestigate, or else did not care to. She never knew the 


474 


RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. 


means that were employed to bring her father to teimai 
and she never learned the reason of his absence &om home 
while in the South. 

From that day Mr. Blank treated me like a son. His 
house was my home. All my projects he was ready to 
second as heartily as I could wish ; and instead of oppos- 
ing an early marriage, he readily acquiesced when I sug- 
gested that the wedding should take place before 1 sailed 
in the Firefly. 

It was a quiet wedding. Only our intimate friends 
were present. Hatty had insisted on this, and she had 
her own way. I was enabled to remain with her two 
months before my vessel was ready. Then we parted ; 
and when next we met, I was suffering from a wound re- 
ceived at Fort Fisher. She tended me like an angel 
through my illness, but declared that I should give up the 
sea, and love her on the land. And she is as precious to 
me now as on the day we were married. 

And so I close my log, by wishing my readers as much 
happiness as I really enjoy in the possession of a young 
and lovely wife. Mr. Blank is loyal to the core. All of 
his money is in government bonds, and so free of taxation ; 
consequently he is happy. His grandchildren expect to 
fare well in his will. Let us hope they won’t be disap* 
pointed. 




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Shadowed by Yhreie, 

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The Iiakeside Building:, 


THE BUSHBANGERS: 

Ov m. YankM’s Adventuraa Puiing a 
80oond Trip to Auttralta* 

•T Wt M< THOIIgS« 

mmm m aoui umnammm m 

AmmuLLu,** afro., aro. 


Tbo Taakpo aM hto QoarM for Aitlnai^Wp al 

' Frlexids.'^Tbe stolen Plamom ^ toTelF 


lf«l^ara& »n4 pMjel m I 
mudandfier Fi 


ra^r..~1%e Frlze* fighter and his Panghter. ffca Bow. Tbt 

BlgnaL-^Mrs. Trotter^ Oastle.'^The tfx^oraUoa. f^Qoanw aad we 
dar.—The lost Olaaon^ recovered. The Bs^pe. T^e sadden Alam. Tho 
onpleasant Position, plays the ** ItOnn.^ yh» and Ms throng Ann. 
~Aa Sseape from the Pet. The Poraolt. Tte toOr fiwora. ‘Ae Anest and 
Disehaiw^— Bet and hu reelings. The fat por^ the Page. The a«v« 

enior*s wBe,— The Qovamer and hJ# A ftrong PiW fora O 

Miu dsnnjr and h«r Temper. Bar Vamng 


•>Tbe Bed Lion. ^ 

of the Pet*~The Bed ^en, ATdeiMri^ gtennHA— the Bwene. The Aeooaa* 
tioo of Mias Jenny. ^Wegespan^'^The flm Sant for Boshrangers. Weh* 


^ . „ _ jf igbt and Moegnltoa, 

An nnweloome BadfieSow<-A Night obtbe Monntaln. A strange Meettng. 
The Oave.-^he noexpeetM Arrfm. The Ooneealsaaot {a a tight Place.— 
Pace to Face. The Stnig^ The Oompa<^ The Sarpiiee. ** Peath to the 
Spy.** MoWer Brewn and her Friendship. The Disg^se. An Attempt te 
escape.— An old Aeqmdntanoe. The Parsoit. Bushraturers and their oon> 
BclenoeA— A poor Bfhot A^eed Fugitive. An old Friend. The Biss <rf 
WeleomA— An AnstraUan Parmer’s Bsperienoei. His Wife and Famtly, 
Boshraagers la piunralt Barricaded.— A Skirmish with the Bnshrangers. 
Oar Defense. Attmapt to onnx the Boosa— A rrival oi Murden and his Hen. 
Great Joy of fiopefnl. The Fire snbdaed. Change ol Mind.— Dead Bnsh* 
rangers, ^pefnl and Amelia. A Wamleg. Ola Love forgotten.— A Oo* 
onette at W^. A Jealous Lover. An ammpted Murder. An Alarm.— 
Moloeh in a Fit Bis PlsappmuAnee. A eiose Shot. Preparations for a 
Tramp,— An ExpedlWm. Grossing We Valley by Night A Confesaioa. 
Point Lookoot The Sentineis.— An Attempt to extort a Oonfessloa. The 
Perils a< Traveling In Aastralla. A Surprise.— The Bobby's OeaW. Bnaii« 
rangerh sitrprlsed. The Attaek and Fligl^ Murden ’s Alarm.— Iteseae of an 
English Baronet His Adventnrea A strange Sight — Mother Browah 
Myst^. A Search for Gold. A terrible Surprise.— A Visit from Beeler. 
He Is mwent for our Gompaiw. Pel&gs at Point Lookout— An nnexp^ted 
Visitor, bat a pleasant Oua The Treasure. A great Sorprlae.— Miss Jenny 
and her Positioa. As handsome and vulgar as ever.— A Ooc[nett«*8 Oontempt 
The dlsappearanM, Amelia and Moieen.— The AMaetloo. A Native on We 
TraU. The Parsolt— TbaPursnlt nridge of Salt i^sterlons Boundn Allt* 
gators and their Attack a An foeape. — Perilous Position. Escape from 
Alligators. On Foot. A WesteraMan la Australin He Joins na.-^ tedlmis 
Tramp. An unexpected ^emy. A strange Sight SerMnts In Pmstdt A 
Fight— Moloch and his Vletlsu. He explmns Matters. NegoWWooA FaU* 
are. We raise the Siege.— Gloomy Prospeet A br^ht l&ht Friends or 
Poes T— On tbe Trail. A Toung Girl's Distress. A Bufllanu Threats. For* 
ward to We BesouA On the Mountain. Amelia's Qrtet She demands 
VengMnee. Preparations for Hanging.— The Hanging. An Xntezruptioa. 
Tbe Tables turned. Escape of AmeUA A Tableau— An anesepected Tumlito. 
The BesenA A private Oonversatlwsu A tiresome BMa Arnval as We 8^ 
tlou. Departure for MelbournA— A Bow at the Bed Uoo. A Barei^ W 
Danger, the BeseuA The Pet knocked out of TlmA Ten Minutes lb Jatt. 
A belligerent Oabmam A Fight and Knock-down.— MoWer Brown's Pardon. 
Her Confession, My astonishment The Bsronefs Oonfeeslon. A Oempar* 
IngofNoteA The iMt Child. A Tableau.— E xpIm^oha Mglher Brown aad 
Tom. An lutonrlew wlW the Baronet Mother Brown's C^feMion. Tho 
Wdon Child, The Locks of Bair. Preparations for an Arrest The Pes esi 
We Wateh. Bad Newt— A sudden Ojmppeara&cA The Pursuit— Tho Kunl 
^ We Baronofs Daughter. A Mldnlgnt AAventurA— MeeW^ of an old 
Frteasd. A dlaagraeable Burai^ A OouneS of War. In Pursuit A 
prhw. A Blow on WeJSead. The OonfereadA A Prioenor. A few Bsi 
hr Miss and Asslstansv— A mosneniaae ^esIfUB— A i 

^ Haunted Mo One aST 

Bmn lUn. In Mht— An important OupWrA 1 
sad Mad DfaC4wd Dick maig PrapmiifcrA sm 
To tho Bescoe, An agreeable BurpilsA F«wnh’ 

Begrc^a— A liWe Z<evA A Caw KimaBoaona, 

LUa— A astvaW OoedO r e n oA Aju&fttSu A 



1 

I 


THE GOLD HUNTERS’ ADVENTURE 


OR, WILD LIFE IN AUSTRALIA. 

By WM. H. THOMES. author of “The Busftfaugers,” “The Gold Hunters in Europe^” 
^ “A Whaleman’s Adventures,” “Life in the East Indies, Adventures on a 
Slaver,” “Running the Blockade,’ etc., etc. 



jf, -r- A e? ^ I at adventm®®* 




aieman s Adventures 

IN THE SANDWICH ISLANDS AND CALIFORNIA. 


"WlSt/Lm HC, THOMES, 

“ The Gold Hhnteks’ Adventures in Atjstealia,” “ The BusHEANOEBa.** 

“KUNNIN6 THE BLOCKADE,” etC., Cte. ^UBHEANOESa, 

wltlfc Tliirty-Si* 

AJfB BY ALL BOOESILLBBA. 


The Gold Hunters in Europe 

— OR — 


THE DEAD ALIVE. 



“ Do you giro yourselveg In custody ? 


TF^y "WIMC. H. 

Author Of “ The Gold Husttebs’ Adventcbes nr Austbalia,” “The Bushbanoee* 
“Runnikg the Blockade,” etc., etc. 


XlXw^^x‘iMdL arOK.T-Sr S'iEE© 


fKILD ON 4T L railway TRAINS AND BY ALL B00K8BLL1BS. 




A NEW DETECTIVE STORY. 

By LAWRENCE L. LYNCH. 


Author of “Shadowed by Theee,” “Madeline Payne,” etc. 



“ Don’t pull, boys ; Tve got the drop on ye ! ” Page 5o. 


DANGEROUS GROUND; 

OE THE 

I>UTI3 0TIT7-3EJiS. 

The author’s latest and greatest work; Intensely Interesting. 45 Elegant Illustratl )us. 

Peice $1,50. 

Sold on all Railroad Trains and by ail Booksellers. 






4 





